The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game 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 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
