The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
