Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
