AFCON 2021 Round of 16: Nigeria faces Tunisia hurdle on Sunday

By Steve Omola

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will on Sunday face Tunisia in the round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The three-time African Champion has been the most impressive side in the competition so far by winning all group games, scoring six goals and conceding just one from penalty spot against Sudan.

In the group opener, the Austine Eguavoen-Tutorep side defeated Mohamed Salah-captained Egypt side courtesy Kelechi Iheanacho’s lone goal.

At the match day two clash, Nigeria extended her winning streak with a 3-1 victory against Sudan before topping the table with a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau.

With this feat, the Eguavoen lads are now to tackle Tunisia in the knock out stage.

Checks carried out revealed that both teams faced-off at the knockout stage of the 2004 edition in Tunisia. The host, defeated Nigeria 5-3 via penalty after the semi-final regulation time ended 1-1.

In a similar vein, the Super Eagles settled for revenge in the tournament quarter final stage by showing the North African side exit door two years later in Egypt.

It was also at the expence of Nigeria, Tunisia lost the 3rd placed duel during the tournamen’s last edition in Egypt. The clash ended 1-0 courtesy Odion Ighalo’s two minutes strike.