Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
