The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after Egypt 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 straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
