Chikatara strikes again as Tunisia, Nigeria share spoils in CHAN duel News

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Chikatara strikes again as Tunisia, Nigeria share spoils in CHAN duel

By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on January 22, 2016

The Super Eagles of Nigeria minutes ago shared spoils with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, after playing a 1-1 draw at the Estadio de Kigali, in the ongoing Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Rwanda. Nigeria’s main goal scorer Chisom Chikatara was on song again, finding the net in the 52nd minute, while Ahmed Akaichi equalised on 69 minutes, in a tightly contested match.

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh made three changes to his starting XI for the CHAN Group C clash against Tunisia with striker Chisom Chikatara, Austin Obaroakpo and Usman Mohammed all getting their first starts. Chikatara was chosen ahead of preferred striker Tunde Adeniji after his hat-trick against Niger on Monday. Obaroakpo served out a one-match ban and he took take over from Orji Kalu, who replaced fumbling Jamiu Alimi in the heart of the back on Monday. Usman Mohammed earned his start after he showed more tactical awareness as the main link between the defence and attack, unlike Ikechukwu ‘Mosquito’ Ibenegbu, who started against Niger Republic.

Tunisia made two defensive changes in midfield for the game against Nigeria as both defensive-minded players Marouane Tej and Abdelader Oueslati got their first starts. The Carthage Eagles dropped Saad Bguir and Edem Rejaibi, who started against Niger on Monday.

Tunisia started the match as the better side, as they caged Chikatara, and moved swiftly to the Nigerian area.

After the barren first half, the second half began slowly, with Tunisia leading possession. But on 52 minutes, Osas Okoro got the ball, found Chikatara, who took a shot to score his fourth goal in two games.

Akaichi cancelled out the advantage on 69 minutes. After receiving a header, he turned, cleared out of two Nigerian defenders and took his shot with his left foot. Akaichi later had a goal-bound header cleared by Oboroakpo, while he had a shot saved on 89 minutes, from the rear. This would have given Tunisia a late victory.

Nigeria will need to beat Guinea at the last match on Tuesday to be sure of a quarter-final place.

•Photo shows Chikatara on rampage.

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 22, 2016