Cybereagles

Egypt -- Odion Ighalo scored his fifth goal to match Rashidi Yekini's Nigerian record set at the 1994 tournament and it was all that was needed for Nigeria to finish third ahead of Tunisia. However, the disappointment of having to appear in this third place game put the damper on the win. Apart from some sparkle early and then late, this game was played under a cloud of inconsequentiality. Although the team rallied to win, it is obvious that a significant number of Nigerians are baying for the Coach to be fired. The Federation has indicated that Coach Rohr will see his contract through December but knowing the fluidity of the Nigerian environment, nothing should be considered certain.

The highlight of the game was Coach Rohr introducing two players for the first time in this tournament. Goalkeeper Uzoho, the one-time starter but now relegated to third choice at this tournament, was started. He, however, faced few serious moments from the Tunisians whose tournament performance had been largely forgettable. Nonetheless, Uzoho produced seamless control in mid-air challenges that will likely re-awaken the call for his reinstatement as starter. As for Victor Osimhen, he produced nothing to justify the call by a number of Nigerians for him to be preferred ahead of Ighalo. Nevertheless, Osimhen is a future project. In the here and now, he is a bench player.