The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
