Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
