Nigeria just escaped with all three points in their second match against Tunisia.
In the same game, Eric Chelle’s side showed why they should be considered serious contenders to win AFCON, and then why they shouldn’t.
They made life hard for themselves, but Nigeria have done enough to hold off the late Tunisian charge.
That win means Nigeria have booked their place in the last 16 as Group C winners.
Tunisia threw everyone forward in pursuit of a dramatic late equaliser, and their fans were willing them forward in the last few minutes of stoppage time.
But their biggest chance of the extra period dropped for captain Sassi, and he tried to loop his header into the far corner.
Nwabali, Nigeria’s goal tender, was rooted to the spot and breathed a huge sigh of relief as he watched the ball drop inches wide of his far post.
There was a late chance for Nigeria, but one that went begging!
Substitute Ejuke was released into space on the right-hand side and burst into the penalty area.
With Osimhen alongside him in support, he went for goal but watched Dahmen beat his effort away — it was far too central and lacked any real power.
It was a dramatic encounter.
With just under twenty minutes remaining, it looked like the Super Eagles were on course with a 3-0 scoreline with Lookman and Ndidi scoring.
However, an innocuous first goal from Talbi off a free kick and then an 87th minute penalty conversion by Abdi suddenly burst the match wide open.
Tunisia had the momentum from then on and refused to surrender it as they sent in wave after wave of attack.
Nigeria lived very dangerously but were just able to do enough to ensure they walked away with three important points.
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