The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback

Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.

The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.

However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.

Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching Top Spot

This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.

For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.

In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.

Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.

The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.