Tunisia stunned Nigeria on Sunday to set up an Africa Cup of Nations last-eight meeting, as previously reported.
Tunisia defeated 10-man Nigeria 1-0 in the second round in Garoua, thanks to veteran Youssef Msakni’s goal two minutes into the second half.
Nigerian hopes of tying the game were dashed midway through the second half when Alex Iwobi was sent off after the referee checked the VAR monitor. Iwobi had been yellow-carded for a stamp on Msakni.
Msakni, competing in his sixth Cup of Nations tournament, dribbled across the edge of the box before unleashing a curling shot that deflected off goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s left arm and into the net.
With 15 minutes remaining, substitute Naim Sliti almost doubled Tunisia’s advantage when he blasted a shot toward the corner of the net, only to be denied by a spectacular two-hand save from Okoye.
As time ticked away, Nigeria had an opportunity to equalize, but Moses Simon’s free-kick from just beyond the box went over the crossbar.
Nigeria had a better chance to equalize in additional time when substitute Umar Sadiq got behind the defence and fired across goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said, but his ball went wide of the far post.
“They (Tunisia) executed their strategy brilliantly,” Okocha added. This is a heartbreaking defeat. Nigeria was outclassed by them. I’ve always believed you’re only as good as your next performance. Every big team should learn from this.”
The match against Tunisia, according to Okocha, will be the Super Eagles’ most challenging so far in the 2021 AFCON campaign.
“I think it is good to see that we are flying high, but the most important one is the next game and we can only justify our performances so far if we go on and win the next one.” While discussing his work as a Supersport analyst, Okocha stated.
“So every next game is the toughest one for you and the one you have to win. I hope we will carry on the good job that we are doing so far.”