The Eagles scored in the third minute when Odion Ighalo latched onto a loose ball after miscommunication in the Tunisian six yard box after Jamilu Collins' tantalizing cross to grab his fifth of the tournament.
And in doing so, the former Watford striker became the joint-highest scoring Nigerian in a single AFCON tournament, equaling the record set by the great Rashidi Yekini in Tunisia 1994.
Tunisia's Yassine Khenissi let fly a low shot from long range in the 13th minute but it went agonisingly wide much to the relief of the Eagles' bench.
Nigeria's fullbacks, Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins were attacking outlets for Nigeria and they helped in creating some promising moments which did not however result in a second goal.
Such goal scoring expectations were hampered by the injury to Ighalo just before the half time break.
Victor Osimhen came on to replace Ighalo at half time.
Four minutes into the second half CS Sfaxien striker Firas Chaouat received a through pass from Wahbi Khazri but the ball only hit the side net while Anice Badri's deflected shot eight minutes later was gathered by Francis Uzoho in Nigeria goal.
Samuel Chukwueze's long range effort in the 63rd minute was parried away for Nigeria's corner kick.
With ten minutes left to play, Wabhi Khazri waltzed his way past Collins to deliver a cross into the Nigerian box which the Eagles defence dealt with.
Oghenekaro Etebo headed the ball out of the goal line from Tunisia's corner kick.
Samuel Kalu who come on for Samuel Chukwueze with two minutes to play unleashed a powerful free kick which goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia tipped over for Nigeria's corner kick.
The Bordeaux winger had another chance from another free kick, this time low effort but the Tunisian keeper saved.
Izuchukwu Okosi
Photo Credit : cafonline.com
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