The Super Eagles of Nigeria will compete for a place in the quarter-final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as they take on the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia Sunday night.
The ‘Battle of Eagles’ will take place at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua, where Nigeria has played all its three previous group stage games and won all convincingly.
Nigeria and Tunisia have played against each other on five different occasions at the AFCON, with the Super Eagles winning all but one of these previous meetings.
Even though the North Africans are ranked six places above Nigeria in the most recent FIFA rankings, Coach Augustine Eguavoen’s men are seen as the favourites going into this Round of 16 tie.
With absolutely no chance to correct any error or slip, an explosive encounter is expected between the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for the LIVE UPDATES.
Kickoff is 8.00 p.m.
After widely-reported multiple cases of Coronavirus in the Tunisia team, here is the North African’s starting lineup
Tunisia Starting XI vs Nigeria: Ben Said – Haddadi, Ifa, Talbi, Drager – Laidouni, Skhiri, Ben Slimane – Msakni (c), Jaziri, Rafia.
The wait is over and we are set to go.. Tunisia with the kickoff !
Bright start by Moses Simon on the left flank and he wins a corner kick for Nigeria
Ndidi tries a bicycle kick from distance.. it’s off the target
Moses Simon hacked down by the Tunisians and wins a free kick
Super Eagles clearly dominating the early proceedings but still 0-0 after the first five minutes
Tunisia getting a bit physical on the Eagles
Free kick for Tunisia as Joe Aribo commits a foul
Super Eagles come close for a goal there
Desperate defending by the North Africans as the Super Eagles continue to threaten
Back to back corner kicks for Nigeria
Close! Sweet cross from Samuel Chukwueze but Awoniyi unable to get the desired connection on the ball
Yellow card for Kelechi Iheanacho for elbowing a Tunisian player
After 20 minutes in Garoua, it is Nigeria 0-0 Tunisia
Ola Aina regains possession for Nigeria as the Eagles launch another attack
Another free kick for Nigeria as Ndidi is fouled by the Tunisians
Quick test for Maduka Okoye, and the Super Eagles goalkeeper makes an easy catch
Iheanacho attempts a through pass but not properly read by his teammates and Tunisia wins back the possession
We have crossed the half hour mark and it is still Nigeria 0-0 Tunisia
Augustine Eguavoen cuts an animated face for now as the game is yet to produce any goal
Moses Simon sandwiched by the Tunisians, two defenders on him at all times
An ambitious shot just outside the Eagles’ box from the Tunisians sails off the target
Half Time: Nigeria 0-0 Tunisia
Second half underway as the Super Eagles get us going for the second 45 minutes
Blistering start by Tunisia and it’s a goal!
Okoye allows that in and it’s Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia
Youssef Msakni found an opening and unleashed the screamer beyond Maduka Okoye. The keeper should have done better.
Nigeria 0- 1 Tunisia
Tunisia getting more physical
Two quick yellow cards for the North Africans
Iheanacho inhibited from talking a shot in the Tunisia box
The Eagles are playing under pressure and commiting avoidable mistakes
Two changes being planned by the Nigeria bench.. Iwobi and Olayinka in for Iheanacho and Awoniyi
The Eagles bench looking jittery but plenty of time to turn things around here
Ndidi still unable to get his shot on target
Iwobi looks suprised but he has been booked for a foul..var being checked for a possible red card
Iwobi sent off .. shock for Nigeria.. Joy for Tunisia
Simon comes close. But the Tunisia keeper makes a save
Zanusi with a low drive but off the target
Despite playing a man less, the Super Eagles pushing for an equaliser
70 Minutes gone.. Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia
Chukwueze turns and whips a shot but it is slightly off the target
Chance for Tunisia to double their lead but Okoye parries away for a corner kick
Sadiq Umar already in for Samuel Chukwueze
Tunisia holding on to their slim lead as the clock is gradually winding down
Free kick for Nigeria in a promising position
Moses Simon takes it.. over the bar
Five minutes added time
That was very close but the ball glances across the face of goal
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