The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.