The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.
