Osimhen, Ndidi, Lookman score, as Eagles grab N1.2bn

Osimhen, Ndidi, Lookman score, as Eagles grab N1.2bn

. Top group, qualify for 2nd round

. Lookman wins MOTM

A first half goal by Victor Osimhen and another from captain Wilfred Ndidi, in the early minutes of second half saw the Super Eagles taking the commanding position in the Group C ahead of the Carthage Eagles at the Fez stadium in Morocco were enough for Nigeria to join Egypt in the second round of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. In the euphoria of celebrating the goal, Osimhen made some offending gesture that landed him a yellow card.

In the process, the Super Eagles have grabbed a guaranteed $800,000 (about N1.2bn)for booking place in the round of 16 of the tournament.

It was second time lucky for the Galatasaray striker, Osimhen after his 17th minute effort was ruled offside.

It was also his second goal at the AFCON in 10 appearances and he is now just five goals away from equaling Nigeria’s all-time most prolific international scorer Rashidi Yekini.

Nigeria dominated the first half and as early as the ninth minute Osimhen could have found the back of the net off a cross by Jerome Akor, but somehow he failed to do so.

The Super Eagles continued to surge forward and even after Osimhen’s 17th minute effort was chalked off they continued to prove a threat upfront.

In the closing minutes, the Carthage Eagles stepped up and asked a few questions of the Nigerian defence before Osimhen crowned a matured display by the Super Eagles with a 44th minute headed goal.

After Ndidi's and second for Nigeria in the 50th minute, the Carthage Eagles surged forward looking for a consolation goal but instead it was Ademola Lookman who made it 3-0 for the Super Eagles in the 67th minute off an assists from Osimhen.

Tunisia's consolation finally came in the 75th minute with a flick from the head from Montassar Talbi off a freekick by Hannibal Mejbri.

Tunisia had a lifeline in the 87th minute with a penalty goal from Ali Abdi after Bright Osayiu-Samuel was adjudged to have handled the ball in his effort to head the ball.