FES,Morocco: Nigeria showcased their attacking firepower but were forced to survive a nervy finale as they edged Tunisia 3-2 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday to become the second team to book a place in the last 16.
Victor Osimhen set the tone with a powerful header a minute before halftime, the striker finally converting after a series of early near misses. The Super Eagles tightened their grip after the break as captain Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to head in from a corner, before Ademola Lookman added a third in the 67th minute following clever work from Osimhen.
Tunisia, however, refused to fold. Defender Montassar Talbi pulled one back in the 74th minute when Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali slipped while attempting to save Hannibal Mejri’s free kick. The contest was thrown wide open five minutes from time when Ali Abdi converted a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel was adjudged to have handled the ball.
A frantic finish followed, with Ferjani Sassi coming agonisingly close to a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, but Nigeria held firm to secure their second win in Group C.
The victory guarantees Nigeria top spot in the group with six points, three clear of Tunisia. Tanzania and Uganda, who drew 1-1 earlier in Rabat, sit on one point each. Nigeria remain in Fes for their final group match against Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia face Tanzania in Rabat.
