The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
