The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for 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 nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
