The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
