The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
