The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point 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 led to his departure.
