The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
