The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted 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 stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
