The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
