The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, 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 the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool 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.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.