The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
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 half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
