The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
