The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
