The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
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 far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
