Youssef Msakni’s Early Second Half Strike Knocks 10-Men Super Eagles Out Of AFCON.
Nigeria have been knocked out of the 2021 AFCON tournament by Tunisia. Tunisia qualified as one of the best losers, but the Eagles of Carthage bettered the Super Eagles tactically tonight.
Nigeria were favorites following their group stage performances and many expected them to go all the way, but they failed to fly against Tunisia in Garoua.
Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia Match Report
A slow start to the first half saw the Eagles create little. Tunisia kept a formidable shape at the back. Wahbi Kazri did not start the match, but Tunisia still threatened Nigeria
There were so many half chances for Nigeria in the first half. However, the second half started wrongly for the Super Eagles. Stealing the ball in their own half, Msakni was able to catch the Nigerian defense out before unleashing a ferocious strike that Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye failed to deal with. The ball ended up the back of the net to give Tunisia a shock lead.
Things got way worse for Nigeria just minutes later. Iwobi who came on for Kelechi Iheanacho was sent off after recklessly stamping a Tunisian player. The referee initially gave Iwobi a yellow card, but had to change his decision after checking VAR. That decision was very controversial as many thought the red card was too harsh.
Nigeria lost control of the game after the red card. However, they almost snatched a late equalizer through Sadiq who placed the ball inches away after being played through.
Tunisia`s Tactics Worked
Underdogs Tunisia won today because of their tactical approach which was to frustrate the Super Eagles and wait for mistakes and counter-attacks. It worked for them and they were able to silence Nigeria’s main threat, Moses Simon, throughout the game.
What`s Next For The Super Eagles
The tournament is over for Nigeria, but it is something for them to build upon. The players now have experience and will be wiser in future tournaments.
The focus will now go back to securing a spot at Qatar 2022 World Cup. Nigeria have been drawn against Ghana and the matches will take place in March. Hopefully, the Super Eagles will compensate Nigerians by edging Ghana for a place in Qatar.
