The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
