The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
