Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed 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 cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
