The Super Eagles of Nigeria ran out 3-2 winners after a thrilling game against Group C rivals Tunisia on matchday two of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s men looked on course for a comfortable victory over the Carthage Eagles after Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman all found the back of the net to set up a 3-0 lead for Nigeria.
However, the Tunisians fought back late on, with left back Ali Abdi converting an 87th minute penalty after Montassar Talbi had earlier pulled one back in the 74th minute to set up a grandstand finish.
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After an absolutely enthralling encounter, here are five talking points from the game.
5. Super Eagles secure knockout berth
The win over Tunisia means Nigeria are now top of Group C with six points while the Carthage Eagles drop to second place. With Uganda and Tanzania both on a point apiece, it means the Super Eagles have automatically secured a place in the round of 16.
4. Eric Chelle’s tactical rollercoaster
Chelle’s decision to deploy a 4-3-3 rather than his preferred 4-4-2 diamond allowed for the introduction of Frank Onyeka in place of Samuel Chukwueze and it proved to be a masterstroke.
Onyeka’s introduction alongside Nididi and Alex Iwobi ensured control of the midfield for the Super Eagles and gave them the perfect platform to dominate.
However, after the Franco-Malian’s decision to sub off Onyeka and Akor Adams for out-and-out wingers Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon, Nigeria lost control of the midfield which put them on the back-foot.
3. Wilfred Ndidi scores maiden Super Eagles goal
The Super Eagles skipper led from the front as he marked a largely dominant display with his first-ever goal in Super Eagles colours. Ndidi rose highest in the 51st minute to guide Lookman’s cornerkick into the net and give Nigeria a two-goal cushion.
2. Victor Osimhen ends AFCON draught
Before breaking the deadlock for Nigeria in this game, Osimhen’s last goal at the Africa Cup of Nations came during the opening match of the 2023 edition.
Interestingly, the Galatasaray striker had found the back of the night on five different occasions since then but unfortunately saw all of those goals chopped off for offside.
He wasn’t to be denied in this game though, as he rose highest to head in Lookman’s sublime cross on the cusp of half time. He also set up the Atalanta man for Nigeria’s third.
1. Ademola Lookman delivering the goods for Nigeria
Lookman is once again proving to be Nigeria’s clutch player at the Africa Cup of Nations after a blistering start to this year’s tournament.
The erstwhile African Player of the Year entered the competition off the back of managing just four goals contributions (3G, 1A) in 16 games for Atalanta but he has now matched that tally (2G 2A) in just two games at the AFCON.
He set up Osimhen and Ndidi with a couple of tantalizing crosses before going on to score one for himself. His goal proved to be the difference.
