The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation 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 straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
