Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
