The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures 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.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
