The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
