The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs 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 straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his departure.
