The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
