– Onyekachi Osondu, ABH Press
Nigeria defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off on Wednesday.
In a match of few opportunities or moments of excitement, Odion Ighalo’s third-minute goal separated the teams.The Nigerians took the early lead after the Tunisian defence imploded in confusion during the opening attack.
Taha Yassine Khenissi almost grabbed an equaliser five minutes later, but the forward missed the target.
Tunisia established a foothold in the game, with Nigeria content to defend their slim advantage. The Eagles of Carthage attempted to exert pressure, but their opponents were comfortable at the back.
The second half followed a similar script, and the Tunisians appeared flat and lacking in confidence.
Tunisia goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia denied Samuel Chukwueze’s effort to keep the score at 1-0, but the Super Eagles were playing within their capabilities.
Ellyes Skhiri’s header almost levelled the game in the final moments, but Nigeria’s Peter Etebo dramatically cleared off the line.
Nigeria continued to sit on their lead until the final whistle, and they collected the third-place accolade.