The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
