The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
