The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won their eighth bronze medal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo handed Gernot Rhor’s side victory with his second-minute goal in the third-place match against Tunisia at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian forward also dominates the leading goalscorers’ chart with a total of five goals in the tournament.
He is being followed by Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Adam Ounas, as well as DR Congo’s Cedric Bakambu and Sadio Mane of Senegal with three goals each.
Despite claiming his first AFCON medal, the Chinese based striker seemed not so good as he limped off the pitch after pulling his hamstring while he attempted to make a pass.
He, however, looks forward to winning the golden boot of the tournament, should Mane, Marez, and Ounas fail to score two goals on Friday.
Few minutes after Ighalo’s goal, Nigeria’s Kenneth Omeruo made a wonderful interception to cut out Taha Khenissi’s shot from the right after the Tunisian was sent through by a great curl from skipper Wahbi Khazri.
While the game was ongoing, the Super Eagles played too deep in their own half, paving the way for midfielders Sassi and Joris Skhiri take charge of the match.
After the restart, the North African side took charge again and were close to a goal just two minutes in.
Khazri sent substitute Firas Chaouat through, but the striker missed a one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho as his shot hit the side of the net.
Nigeria also had a chance to extend their lead when Chukwueze picked the ball at the edge of the box but his effort was diverted behind for a corner by Ben Chirifia.
Tunisia fought hard for an equaliser in the keenly watched match but Nigeria defended the lone goal to return with at least a medal.
In the semi-final matches played on Sunday, Nigeria lost to Algeria 2-1 while Senegal beat Tunisia 1-0.
Algeria and Tunisia will fight for the trophy on Friday at the Cairo International Stadium.
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