The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct 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 VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
