The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team 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 straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
