After defending champions Algeria and Ghana, the next heavyweight at the Africa Cup has to pull out early. Nigeria went out in the last 16 against Tunisia
On paper, Nigeria were certainly favourites going into their clash with Tunisia. In addition to Union Berlin striker Awoniyi, the starting line-up also included two Premier League professionals in Ndidi and Iheanacho (both Leicester City). For Tunisia, Skhiri (1. FC Köln), a well-known player from the Bundesliga, started.
In the first half, the game was disappointing all along the line, lacking pace and scoring chances completely. Shortly after the changeover, the Tunisians suddenly took the lead. Captain Msakni, who earns his money in Qatar with Al-Arabi Doha, fired a powerful but far from well-placed shot, but goalkeeper Okoje did not cut a fine figure. The ball bounced off his leg and into the net (47th).
Iwobi sees red seven minutes after his substitution
The Super Eagles were behind – and soon found themselves shorthanded as well. Just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute, Everton pro Iwobi stepped full on the goal scorer’s leg above the ankle with an open sole in midfield. After watching the video footage, the referee showed him the red card (66th).
With a man down, Nigeria had their best chance to date through Simon (67th), but the Super Eagles’ final offensive did not produce much. Ndidi (88th) and Sadiq (90.+1) also failed to equalise from good shooting positions.
Nigeria were the next notable team to bow out of the tournament. Tunisia will now play Burkina Faso, who beat Gabon on penalties in the first round of 16, in the quarter-finals next Saturday.
