NOS Football•
Nigeria has secured a place in the last sixteen of the tournament at the African Cup of Nations. The ‘Super Eagles’ took a 3-0 lead against Tunisia in group C, let the North Africans come back to 3-2, but won.
Because Nigeria previously also won 2-1 against Tanzania, the knockout phase cannot be missed by the team. Tunisia will need a draw in the final group match against Tanzania to finish second and advance. The tournament is not over yet for the four best numbers three in the groups.
Orange opponent
Tunisia will be one of the Dutch opponents in the group stage of the World Cup next summer. However, Nigeria missed out on qualifying for the World Cup, despite some stars in the team: Victor Osimhen of Galatasasray and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta.
That attacking duo was unstoppable for the Tunisians. Just before half-time, Osimhen headed in a cross from Lookman, after having previously seen a goal disallowed for offside.
The 2-0 was also made with the head. Wilfred Ndidi, playing for Besiktas, headed in from a Lookman corner.
Hard violations
Despite the lead, defender Semi Ajayi did not show his best side. He put his studs on Hannibal Mejbri’s Achilles tendon, but the Malian referees stuck with the yellow card. Tunisian striker Hazem Mastouri continued to play and was brought down hard by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a wild tackle. Referee Boubou Traoré left it at that.
More beautiful was the third Nigerian goal. Lookman scored the 3-0 from Osimhen’s cross, via the inside of the post.
Tunisia, winners of the 2004 African Cup of Nations, looked beaten. Yet the ‘Eagles of Carthage’ did something back in the last fifteen minutes. Montassar Talbi headed in a free kick and when the referee pointed to the spot after a handball from Bright Osayi-Samuel, it became exciting. Ali Abdi converted the penalty.
Tunisia had chances to equalize in the final phase, but they were unable to score.
