Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team 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 concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
