The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.