The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.