The Super Eagles of Nigeria are out of the 2021 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) after a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tunisia in the round of 16.
Austin Eguavoen’s men who came to the knockouts flying high being the only team coming into the round of 16 with a 100% points in the group stage were pipped by a lone goal by a Tunisian side that made the knockouts by virtue of being a best-loser.
The Covid-ravaged ‘Eagles of Carthage’ capitalized on goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s error to reached their fourth successive quarter-final at the tournament.
Youssef Msakni drove forward and shook off Ola Aina before cutting inside Ndidi and firing in a swerving shot from 25 yards that brushed Okoye’s left glove and found the bottom corner.
The Super Eagles were reduced to 10 as substitute, Alex Iwobi who replaced Kelechi Iheanacho just before the hour mark, was sent off minutes after entering the field following a VAR check for a stamp on Msakni’s right ankle in his eagerness to regain possession.
Bechir Ben Saïd denied Moses Simon of an equalizer before Bilel Ifa denied a great attempt by Sadiq Umar and later, Sadiq slid an effort agonisingly past the far post in stoppage time.
In their right meetings, this is the first time Tunisia will be beating Nigeria in regular 90 minutes time. The last time Tunisia edged Nigeria in the AFCON was in 2004 where they went on to win.
Mondher Kebaier’s side will slug it out in the quartefinals against Burkina Faso on Saturday.
MOLATsportgist 