The Super Eagles of Nigeria have crashed out of the ongoing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after they lost 1-0 to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their Sunday encounter in the tournament’s Round of 16.
Nigeria vs Tunisia Result Analysis
The loss comes a few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari called the Super Eagles, charging them to defeat their opponent and win the AFCON trophy.
The Super Eagles had qualified as the only team with a maximum of nine points from the group stage, beating all teams in Group D. However, the Nigerian team couldn’t make it beyond the round of 16.
During the match in Sunday, January 23, both teams went into the first-half break without goals until Tunisia’s Youssef Msakni delivers the single killer goal that sent the Super Eagles out of the competition few minutes into the second half.
Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho was shown a yellow card in the 20th minute, while Alex Iwobi was also shown the red card at the 66th minute, depleting the Eagles as Tunisia cruised into the quarter-final of the tournament.
Before the game, many had tipped Nigeria to win, especially as the Tunisian team was hit with coronavirus, which affected 12 players, including the captain and head coach. However, Tunisia proved tougher for the Super Eagles than expected.
Following the defeat to Tunisia, Nigerians on social media have pinned the blame on President Buhari due to his pre-game call to the Super Eagles.
Below are some reactions from Twitter.
I know nothing about soccer BUT Nigeria will be out of #AFCON2021 soon 😂🇳🇬
So daft the team went talking to Buhari before a game. Who's the silly coach? Worst move. Worse than Friday the 13th. Anything I predict happens ⚽️🇳🇬😬 🐈⬛🦇#Kemitalks #ghanavsnigeria #Tunisia #AFCON— Journalist Dr Kemi Olunloyo📡🇳🇬 (@KemiOlunloyo) January 23, 2022
If you want to end a relationship let Buhari make the call for you
— King of Photoshop ❁ (@harrisonJNIOR) January 23, 2022
This guy knew that speaking with Buhari meant they were going to lose #Nigeriavstunisia pic.twitter.com/ryrfrH5i6p
— DR.PENKING™ #EndPaternityFraudinNigeria (@drpenking) January 23, 2022
Super Eagles used to win or score in the first half until they received a call from President #Buhari.
— Mr Focus (@BiafraGenerati2) January 23, 2022
Anthony Joshua was minding his business. Eguavoen & the Super Eagles were doing a good job. Until Buhari decided to show his face.
Everything Buhari touches…..🌚🥶
— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) January 23, 2022
Buhari 🤦🏾♂️you just use f, f spoil our game.
Buhari to super eagles: go and make us froud 🤪Now we don pail 😫#Nigeriavstunisia
— Dj Switch (@dj_switchaholic) January 23, 2022
Who gave Buhari the team phone Number??? 😑#Badomen #AFCON2021
— Adetutu Balogun, MBA (@Tutsy22) January 23, 2022
Buhari did to Super Eagles what he did to Nigeria's economy.
— Chairmo of The Lion Kingdom (@TundeEddnut) January 23, 2022
Years ago, there was a story that when people picked up some calls, they started vomiting blood, and they died.
Many of us did not believe it.
Today, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were expected to win until they picked that call, then they lost!#Nigeriavstunisia #AFCON— Stephen (@RealSaintSteven) January 23, 2022
As for the red card, No body should blame iwobi for it! It's a game. I would rather blame coach for not putting umar sadiq on time
Loose or gain nah Ghana go still suffer am😁#iwobi super eagles of Nigeria Red card Ghanaians #madukaokoye #AFCON pic.twitter.com/VUHXYdvrLv
— Dr. therapist 💦 (@EjezieThankgod) January 23, 2022
Hello Buhari, with all due respect sir, we didn’t send you to call super eagles oo.
— Alhaji Beardless Smallie👳🏽♀️💦🌏 (@SMiTHiE___) January 23, 2022
Iwobi saw the red card right inside Buhari ‘s eyes. See the way he is visibly sad. He could not even hide it. #Nigeriavstunisia pic.twitter.com/nR5QaIeaCN
— DR.PENKING™ #EndPaternityFraudinNigeria (@drpenking) January 23, 2022
The Super Eagles of Nigeria couldn't have won the #AFCON2021. We don't win the Afcon that Cameroon is involved. Check history. I told some people but they said it's superstition. Football is a spirit. Iwobi Musa Buhari Olayinka Okoye Sadiq Aina Red Card #TeamNigeria Aribo Uzoho
— Church man, Florence's son (@olusolaakinwale) January 23, 2022
This is a sign to all those that went to inform Buhari of their intention to run for President; just forgerrit.
— Somto Onuchukwu (@chosensomto) January 23, 2022
Me, when I’m about to close a billion dollar deal and I receive a call and the caller says “My name is President Buhari” pic.twitter.com/4V0JqKO1mD
— $Hydra 🏳️🌈 (@TheBriDen) January 23, 2022
Iwobi red card, Iheanacho yellow card. All the time they have been playing this never happened. Why is it that it is the day they spoke to Buhari that these series of unwelcome events rained on us!
Energies are very contagious. Avoid negative people! #AFCON2021 #TableShaker
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) January 23, 2022
#Buhari: Musa saw it coming. 😭🥺
I blame Desmond Elliot for all this. 😡pic.twitter.com/8fud2GGZuO— Ayemojubar.js (@ayemojubar) January 23, 2022
May Buhari never call you at any point of your career!#AFCON2021
— Anonymous ✪ (@AnonGeneralWire) January 23, 2022
I can’t really connect it but I know Buhari is responsible for this loss
— Imoh (@ImohUmoren) January 23, 2022
KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola had pledged the sum of $250,000 to the Super Eagles if they win the 2021 AFCON trophy.