Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
