Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
