The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
