The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
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 seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left 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, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 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 straightforward last period transformed 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, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
