The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans 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 effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
