The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
