The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
