Nigeria Held to 1-1 Draw by Tunisia in CHAN 2016 Group C
Nigeria failed to secure a second consecutive victory in Group C of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia on Matchday 2. Despite maintaining their position at the top of the group, Nigeria will now have to wait until the final matchday to ensure qualification for the quarter-finals.
The first half was dominated by Tunisia, who controlled possession and created several scoring opportunities. However, the game remained goalless at halftime. The Carthage Eagles could feel hard done by, as Ahmed Akaichi scored a goal in the 38th minute that was controversially disallowed by the referee. The Tunisian forward had been in fine form, and the decision was a source of frustration for both players and fans alike.
After the break, Nigeria struck first through Elvis Chisom Chikatara, who had already made headlines in the tournament by scoring a hat-trick during the 4-1 victory over Niger in the opening round. Chikatara’s goal seemed to give the Super Eagles the advantage, but it was short-lived. Tunisia responded with a clinical equalizer from Akaichi, who scored his third goal of the competition, demonstrating his importance to the Tunisian side.
With the draw, Nigeria remains group leaders but has only four points, making the final group match against Guinea decisive. A victory in that match will secure their spot in the quarter-finals. For Tunisia, the result leaves them with two points, meaning they must defeat Niger in their final group-stage game to advance to the knockout stage. Both teams will need to address their defensive lapses and improve finishing if they hope to progress further.
The match showcased contrasting styles: Nigeria relied on fast transitions and individual skill, while Tunisia emphasized structured play and technical precision. The tactical battle highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, and it provided fans with an intense, closely contested encounter.
For Nigeria, Chisom Chikatara continues to prove his worth as the team’s key attacking threat, but the Super Eagles must be more clinical in front of goal to avoid unnecessary pressure in the final round. For Tunisia, Akaichi’s performance confirms his status as one of the tournament’s top scorers and a player capable of changing matches single-handedly.
As Group C heads into its final matchday, anticipation is high. Nigeria and Tunisia have both demonstrated quality and resilience, setting up a tense conclusion to the group phase where every point counts. The coming fixtures will determine which teams join Guinea and Niger in the knockout rounds, promising further excitement for CHAN 2016 fans.
