Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
