The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
