The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball 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 added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single 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 Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.