Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered 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 appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool 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, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
