The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate 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 reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
