The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach 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 half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal 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.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
