The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort 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 thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
