Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered 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 seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
