The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty 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 frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
