The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, 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 feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, 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 past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.