The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six 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 one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
