The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress 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 clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
