#AFCON2021: 5 Talking Points from Tunisia 1-0 Nigeria

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations following a defeat to the Tunisians at the Round of 16 .

(1) Maduka Okoye:

The only real chance of the game from the Tunisians beat the Nigerian goalkeeper in goal. Okoye has not been tested in the competition, this result might affect his place in the national team as the team prepare for the third round of the World Cup qualifying game against Ghana.

(2) Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo:

The trio of the strikers was not available for the Super Eagles at the African Cup of Nations because of different situations. If the strikers were available for Nigeria at the competition there would have been a lot of option for coach Augustine Eguavoen to pick from on the bench.

(3) Alex Iwobi:

The Everton player was sent off less than five minutes into the game got a rash tackle on a Tunisian player. Iwobi was initially issued a yellow card by the on-field referee but VAR called the attention of the referee to review the incident. Nigeria down to ten m(10) men made it difficult for the Super Eagles to find a way to get past the Tunisians.

(4) Augustine Eguvavoen:

The Nigerian coach who had a perfect run at the group phase of the competitor was outclassed by his Tunisian counterpart. Eguavoen who is an interim manager did not create any tactical change following the red card to Iwobi, and this was an advantage to the North Africans.

(5) Sadiq Umar:

The only light at the end of the tunnel for the Super Eagles was Sadiq, he was the only one who got himself in between the defence of the Tunisians and looked like he was going to find the back of the net. The addition of the player to the duo of Osimhen and Dennis will be a force against any team the Super Eagles come against going forward.