Afcon 2021: Super Eagles boss Eguavoen wary of ‘technical’ Tunisia

Nigeria will face Tunisia in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and coach Augustine Eguavoen is expecting a “very different game.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles advanced to the knockout stages after winning all three of their group stage games, including a 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau in their final group fixture.

Tunisia, meanwhile, secured progress as one of the four best third-placed teams in Cameroon after they finished with 3 points behind Mali and Gambia in Group F. While it’s in stark contrast with the Super Eagles’ run so far, Eguavoen is still wary of the threat the North Africans pose.

“Tunisia is another North African strong team, Eguavoen told NFF media. “They had ups and downs. Their first game ended in a dramatic fashion, they lost two penalties in two games as well.

“[Against Gambia], they lost narrowly towards the end of the game.

“For them having qualified for the knockout stage, it’s a different ball game. It’s the knockout phase and if you don’t get it, you are off and if we get it, we are through to the quarter-final.

“It’s going to be a very different game. Tunisia are a technically good team and they are fast as well.

“We will find a way to counter them and see how we will come on top at the end of the game.”

Should Nigeria emerge winner on Sunday, they will face either Gabon or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals.