The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker 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 lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
