Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance 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 encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
