Former African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
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