The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
