Once again the super eagles of Nigeria clinch the bronze medal for the 8th times in Egypt against the Carthage of Tunisia, this isn’t the first time they are meeting and the stage of the competition and yet the super eagles has proven to be the superior eagle.
It was indeed and exciting third place play as tackles were flying in from both sides however the super eagles of Nigeria manage to maintain a one goal lead from the 3rd minute to the 90th minute of the game this happens to be the only goal scored in the match and it was scored by the 30 year old Odion Ighalo making it his fifth goal of the competition.
Both coaches made few changes to their starting line ups as Francis Uzoho took the goal keeping spot ahead of Daniel Akpeyi thus making it his first appearance in the competition while Ola Aina replaced Chidozie Awaziem who was suspended for the game accumulating two yellow cards while Tunisia coach Alain Giresse replaced injured goalkeeper Mouez Hassen with Moez Ben Cherifa and Youssef Msakni who suffered a muscle strain in their semi-final defeat to Senegal with Anice Badri, Nassim Anid, Ferjani sassi and Ghaylene Chaalali were also handed starting rolls.
Odion Ighalo opened the scoring with only three minutes into the game after pouncing on a loose ball in the box area. the carthage eagles had a chance to respond almost immediately after Ola Aina fouled Wahbi Khazri but the saint Etienne forwards effort was blocked.
Tunisia went close to scoring the equalizer once again when Sassi shrugged off Wilfred Ndidi before launching a long range shot but the effort went of an inch of the target.
Been on the losing side the carthage eagles continued to push for a chance to level the game but where frustrated by the Nigerian defense.
Wilfred had the opportunity to increase the lead after calmly collecting the ball in midfield but he blazed his effort wide the target.
Both sides continue with equal intensity but could not convert any of their chance and after the final minute of the game it was Nigeria who was crowned the bronze medal
