The third place playoff is the match no semi-finalist wants to play in. Nigeria and Tunisia had to settle for this meaningless battle for the wooden spoon after succumbing to Algeria and Senegal last Sunday. You wouldn’t have known this from how coach Gernot Rohr celebrated at the final whistle, grinning from ear to ear like the cat who got the cream. He always said his target was to reach the semis and it appeared, especially against Algeria on Sunday, that the coach was limiting the Super Eagles by his low expectations.

Many Nigerian fans and their players go into tournaments believing they can win it. Even approaching into their first ever World Cup in 1994, players such as Jay-Jay Okocha were claiming that they were capable of winning the trophy. When asked if he will be marking Diego Maradona against Argentina, Okocha replied that Maradona was the one who should mark him! This sort of self belief, some say arrogance, is typical of a Nigeria player. They play to win. Rohr’s mindset in this tournament has been about playing to avoid losing.

Details, match report + video: https://www.naijiant.com/sports/afcon-2019-nigeria-finishes-third-after-1-0-win-over-tunisia-with-fans-wondering-what-could-have-been/