Yousef Msakni’s lone strike was all the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia needed to dash the dreams of Nigeria winning the Africa Cup of Nations for a record fourth time.
The Al Arabi of Tunisia striker caught the Nigerian side napping with a strike from 20-yard in the 47th minute of the tie at the Roumbe Adija Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon.
The goal was his 13th goal for Tunisia in 70 games.
Nigeria further lost grounds when Alex Iwobi who was newly introduced was sent of in the 64th minute after stamping on a Tunisian player in battle for the ball. The red card was Iwobi’s first ever on the international scene.
Coach Austin Eguavoen started the game with the usual suspects in the mode of Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Nigeria came close to levelling the scoreline but Sadiq Umar’s finish failed to hit target on the dot on the 90th minute of the encounter.
Tunisia will play against Burkina Faso in the quarter finals on Saturday, January 29.
Burkina Faso held off a gallant rearguard action from 10-man Gabon to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 7-6 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their last-16 tie in Limbe.
Ismahila Ouedraogo netted the decisive kick to ensure they are the first side into the last eight after an incident-packed and energy sapping clash.
After Burkina Faso skipper Bertrand Traore scored early, 10-man Gabon took the match into extra time following a dramatic last-minute equaliser.
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