The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
