Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
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 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay 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 the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense 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 delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
