Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group 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 Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin 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 consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
