The game: 0-1
This round of 16 of the CAN between Nigeria and Tunisia started off on a good footing with a big situation on both sides in the first quarter of an hour. Talbi saw his recovery with the right foot being saved on the Nigerian line (10th). Two minutes later, Aribo was countered in extremis when he was in an ideal position. These two jolts may have calmed the offensive ardor as much as they pushed the two teams to watch their backs more firmly. Still, this clash between two contenders in the last four then settled into a numb rhythm.
The Super Eagles came forward as favourites. If they had possession and the most “dangerous” situations on their side, they were hampered by the low block and the precise organization that Tunisia offered. They were then surprised by Youssef Msakni’s opener just after the break. In response, Augustine Eguavoen decided to throw all her vital forces into battle. The Nigerian coach made a strong choice by replacing Kelechi Iheanacho with Alex Iwobi on the hour mark.
His risk-taking did not pay off as the Everton striker was sent off seven minutes later with the intervention of the VAR, leaving his partners outnumbered. Sadiq had the opportunity to snatch extra time in added time but he crossed his shot too much. The Tunisians took the opportunity to thwart all predictions after their two group defeats. They will face Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals with the ambition of going as far as possible.
Player: Youssef Msakni
Established for the first time since the start of the competition when Wahbi Khazri was relegated to the bench, Youssef Msakni was doubly decisive this Sunday evening. The midfielder who plays in the Qatar Championship scored the only goal of the match alone. He had all the freedom to turn around at the entrance to the area, to hook an opponent and to deceive goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who made a gross hand fault (47th). It was he, then, who went to the duel with Iwobi and who caused the expulsion of the latter (66th).
