The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
