The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
