The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of 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 climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
