The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.