The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
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 stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
