The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage 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.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
