Nigeria’s performances in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been phenomenal. After beating Tanzania and Tunisia in matchday one and two, Eric Chelle’s side continued their hot streak with a 3-1 sweet victory over the Cranes of Uganda.
With seven changes made, Nigeria proved to have strength in depth, as Osimhen, Ndidi, Bassey and Onyemaechi were the only players who started from the last lineup against Tunisia in the 3-2 win.
A brace from Raphael Onyedika and Paul Onuachus’s strike helped Nigeria take a 3-0 lead before the Cranes pulled one back through Mato to make it 3-1.
10 men Uganda had hoped to snatch a victory over the much-changed Nigeria to book a place in the knockout stage, but the Super Eagles were too strong, to the extent that their bench was so good for the East Africans to handle.
Eric Chelle will be a happy man seeing his side brush opponents aside, although he must work on their concentration in the later part of the games.
With their next opponent not confirmed yet, teams will be afraid of Nigeria, having seen Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi and Ndidi stepping up at the right time.
In the other game of the group, Tunisia drew 1-1 against the highly spirited Tanzania to finish second in the group. Ismael Gharbi’s 43rd-minute penalty put the Carthage Eagles ahead before the break.
Tanzania restored parity through Azam’s Faisal Salum with just three minutes into the second half. The midfielders’ strike set up a fierce second half, with the winner to progress. Tunisia were more cautious, knowing that a draw would send them through.
Tanzania lacked the quality to break down the North Africans and ended the game by failing to score the winner. The Taifa Stars must wait for the final games of the group to end on Wednesday night to know whether they will qualify or not.
In the third-best teams rankings, Tanzania sit 4th with Mozambique leading. Sudan and Benin are second and third, respectively.
