BEST & WORSE: Iwobi, Ajayi impress, Chukwueze falters in Nigeria win
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their opening AFCON 2025 match thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. Despite suffering a minor setback in the 50th minute when Tanzania equalized, several players had a good game to help Nigeria claim the maximum three points in their opening Group C encounter. […]
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their opening AFCON 2025 match thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Despite suffering a minor setback in the 50th minute when Tanzania equalized, several players had a good game to help Nigeria claim the maximum three points in their opening Group C encounter.
However, there were some who need to take notes for future improvement.
BEST 3 PERFORMERS
Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman were the standout performers for Nigeria in the encounter. With William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and Benjamin Fredrick’s injury creating a void in central defense, the experienced Ajayi stepped in effectively. He scored the opener at a crucial moment the attackers were being denied by a goalkeeping masterclass. His defensive display was also solid, with 100% pass accuracy, a blocked shot, and crucial defensive work.
In midfield, Iwobi was a silent orchestrator and driving force for the Eagles, providing a match-high five key passes and providing the assist for both goals with his intelligent runs and vision.
Also, Lookman’s match-winning goal showcased his skill and decision-making, as he created space and hammered a shot into the far corner from a central position. The winger was a constant threat, registering four shots in the match, second only to Victor Osimhen, and his performance suggests he’s gradually returning to his best.
POOR 3: Samuel Chukwueze, Stanley Nwabali, Zaidu Sanusi
Much is expected from Chukwueze at AFCON 2025, but the winger’s recent form for Fulham didn’t translate against Tanzania. The 26-year-old’s excessive dribbling, and tendency to hold onto the ball in promising positions where a simple pass could have led to a goal, didn’t help the team’s cause.
Meanwhile, Nwabali, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, recovered from injury to start against Tanzania but had a questionable moment on the field, protesting offside on Tanzania’s equalizer while watching Charles M’Mombwa score. The Chippa United goalkeeper seemed out of sync with his defence, and an incident where Calvin Bassey prevented him from claiming a cross highlighted concerns about his ability to organize the defense.
Zaidu Sanusi also had a below-par performance, although he was matched by Bright Osayi-Samuel on the opposite flank. Sanusi, who plays for FC Porto, was expected to make an impact but was unsuccessful with four crosses that summed up his performance, and he’ll need to improve significantly in his next match if given another opportunity.