The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 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 the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, 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 comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.