The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
