The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot 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, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
