The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
