The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered 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 appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
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 a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
