Tunisia eliminates Nigeria, set to face Burkina Faso

The Tunisian national team eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria from the Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 victory in the round of 16 games played in Garuoa.

The three-time Champions of the competition were the favourites going into the game after winning Group D with nine points as Tunisia finished third in Group F behind Mali and The Gambia.

Furthermore, the Tunisians were without twelve players due to Covid infections tilting the tie in favour of the West Africans before kick-off. Nigeria were held off by the Tunisian defence, including Moses Simon and Villareal forward Samuel Chukwueze, as both sides played out a dull first half.

However, Tunisia scored immediately after the break after Madua Okoye failed to deal with a long-range strike from Youssef Msakni, which was fumbled by Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Nigeria were reduced minutes later after substitute Alex Iwobi was red-carded for a dangerous play.

Sadiq Umar and Peter Olayinka were introduced into the game, and the Almeria forward was more dangerous to the Tunisian defence, but nothing came through for the Nigerians.

Tunisia will now face Burkina Faso, who got the better of Gabon on penalties earlier in the day. Both teams played a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time before the 2013 finalists won 7-6 on penalties.

Meanwhile, on Monday, host Cameroon will face debutants Comoros who beat Ghana 3-2 to emerge as one of the best losers of the group stages. Cameroon topped Group A ahead of Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia. They will also face the minnows, Comoros, who will be without a proper goalkeeper after most of their team returned positive Covid results.

Before the Cameroon play, it will be another debutant, The Gambia facing Guinea, and the winner of the tie will face the winner of Cameroon vs. Comoros.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu