Afcon 2021: Okocha says Tunisia taught Nigeria a life lesson

Jay-Jay Okocha believes Nigeria did deserve to beat Tunisia in their 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 defeat on Sunday.

Nigeria had put up impressive displays through the group stage and were tipped to go all the way in Cameroon, but they were stunned after Youssef Msakni scored the decisive goal for Tunisia in the second half.

Okocha, who managed 73 appearances and scored 14 goals for Nigeria, believes the Super Eagles were beaten fairly because their North African opponents came with a game plan which they executed with aplomb.

“It’s a disappointing night for us, but we have to say congratulations to Tunisia. Well-deserved victory. I think they outsmarted us tonight tactically,” Okocha said on SuperSport as quoted by Completesports.

“They came with a good game plan and they executed it. And you know, it’s a lesson to every football lover. Football is always the winner…a game has to be played first.

“We didn’t do enough to win this match and we were taught a life lesson today. So, we just have to pick ourselves up, find positives and build from there.”