TheCable

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia, in their second group game of the ongoing African Nations Championship.

Chisom Chikatara, Nigeria’s chat trick hero in the opening game against Niger Republic, lived up to pre-match billing by giving Eagles the lead on 52 minutes.

However, like the Nigerians, the Tunisians also had their danger man, Ahmed Akaichi to thank for salvaging a draw, as the striker deceived two Nigerian defenders with some deft body movement before slotting home in the 70th minute.

Both teams made some vital changes coming into the game. Predictably, Chikatara started in place of Tunde Adeniji, Austin Oboroakpo Kalu Orji came in for Stephen Eze, while Ibenegbu Mathew was dropped for Usman Muhammed.

For Tunisia, Zied and Queslati started. Eagles played a 4-3-2-1 formation while Tunisia employed a 4-5-1.

Akaichi almost scored in 15th minute but Ikechukwu Ezenwa made an excellent point-blank save.

The first major talking point of the game came in the 44th minute of the first half, when a cross from the left wing found Akaichi, who ‘scored’ a lovely header that appeared incorrectly ruled out for offside by referee Joshua Bondo of Botswana.

The Tunisians protested vehemently and the referee had no choice but to book Tunisian Ben Amor, as the first half ended on that controversial note.

The second half started with Oliseh replacing Eze Stephen With Orji Kalu, as Nigeria got more into the game and predictably, Chikatara broke the deadlock with a cool finish after a lovely assist from Osas Okoro, who duly won the Orange Man of the Match Award with his consistent pressure on the opposition and all-round pressure game.

However, Akaichi was not to be denied as he capitalised on poor Eagles defending to equalise in the 70th minute. But he will not forgive himself for a glaring miss in the six-yard box in the 77th minute with a yawning net.

Tunisia could also have escaped withthe three points as Tunisian Mathlouthi forced a daring save by Ezenwa in goal for Nigeria.
Nigeria XI

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Chima Akas(C), Stephen Eze ( Orji Kalu), Austin Oboroakpo, Etim Mathew, Paul Onobi, Mohammed Usman (Mathew Ibenegbu), Ifeanyi Mathew, Osadebamwen Okoro, Chisom Chikara, Prince Aggrey

Tunisia XI
Rami Jeridi, Zied Boughattas, Marquane Tej, Abdelkader Oueslati (Saad Bquir) Ahmed Akaichi, Ali Maaloul(C), Karim Aouadhi (Meriah Yasine), Ben Amor, Mohammed Monser, Mathlouthi Hamza, Derbali Zied