The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star helped his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
