The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding 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 set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
