The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
