The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
