Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
