The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to 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 Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
