The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
