Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in casino gaming and slot machine strategy development.
