The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
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 the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
