Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
