The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
