After a less-than-stellar opening victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has urged calm and calm. He claims that the most crucial goal, which is three crucial points, has been achieved.
Ndidi characterized the first game of a major tournament as a test of rhythm, fitness, and mentality, as well as the well-known difficulties that accompany it.
After the Super Eagles beat the Taifa Stars on Tuesday, the midfielder said, “It was a good game.”
The tournament’s opening game always goes this way, with momentum and all, but it was really, really good. Which three points are the most crucial to us?
In the 2-1 victory, Nigeria set the tone and displayed signs of the attacking intent they had hoped for.
The Six Key Takeaways From The Nigeria vs. Tanzania Game can be found HERE.
Tanzania’s No. 10 Ally Samatta and Nigeria’s No. 06 Semi Ajayi square off against each other in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football game that takes place on December 23, 2025 at Fez Stadium in Fes. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
The Super Eagles were under pressure and struggling to maintain their previous dominance in the second half, which turned out to be more demanding. However, the three-time African champions were assured of taking all three points at stake by their performance on the night.
Ndidi was open about the game’s outcome, apologizing for the team’s performance after the break but offering his condolences.
“The pace was good, and the first half was good. Maybe we were a little worn out in the second half or something. Although it didn’t go as planned, we did a very, very well react. The Besiktas midfielder praised the team, saying, “I’m proud of them.
Questions have been raised about the team’s defensive resilience as a result of Nigeria’s record of 13 straight games without a clean sheet. However, the former Leicester City player has shied away from panic.
Ndidi firmly stated, “I’m not worried at all.” The three points are ours. That is crucial.
When asked whether the current team could match or even surpass Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON record, Ndidi expressed optimism.
Nigeria may not have put the game beyond doubt on the scoreboard, but their 2-1 win over Tanzania sent a powerful message to the continent.
The Super Eagles’ first Group F game of AFCON 2025 featured a lineup that dominated the proceedings and displayed flashes of the kind that make them legitimate title contenders.
Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals that merited a deserving victory over them.
The AFCON Quest starts in 2025 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles flying past Tanzania.
Lessons from the AFCON Clash between Tanzania and Nigeria
Here are six lessons learned from the Group C clash.
Nigeria Show Dominance  
In the AFCON of 2023, Nigeria came in second place. X@CAF_Online in photo
After failing to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles were under pressure at the start of the competition. However, they played as a unit that was determined to respond when faced with Tanzania.
The entire story was not adequately captured by the scoreline. Nigeria spent a lot of time camped out in the opposition half, controlled possession, and set the pace. Their overall dominance made them more likely to be a favorite to win the AFCON title in addition to Group F.
Midfield Control Was Foundation,  
On December 23, 2025, Nigeria’s forward No. 17 Alex Iwobi and No. 8 Charles M’Mombwa of Tanzania clash at the Fez Stadium in Fes in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
Midfield helped Nigeria regain its dominance of the game. Alex Iwobi assisted in linking midfield and attack play, while Captain Wilfred Ndidi provided balance and leadership.
The Taifa Stars struggled to settle for or launch effective counter-attacks because of the Super Eagles’ consistent winning of second balls and quick recycling of possession.
The Dynamic was altered by Chukwueze’s energy,  .
Eric Chelle’s choice to omit Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and give Samuel Chukwueze a start was crucial to that.
The loanee from AC Milan defended the request with a creative and energetic display. Chukwueze was involved in the majority of Nigeria’s dangerous moments and injected pace into midfield.
Tanzania struggled to move, and Zuberi Masudi’s excellent save gave him the lead.
Osimhen Fails To Find The Target
On December 23, 2025, Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen poses for a photo at the Fez Stadium in Fes during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football game between Tanzania and Nigeria. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
Despite having a dominant lead, Nigeria struggled to convert a number of chances, especially in the first half, when they could have scored three goals up.
Victor Osimhen, a striker for Galatasaray, was guilty of some poor finishing in the match despite the Tanzanian defense’s efforts to marshal him at times.
His inability to find the back of the net kept Tanzania in the game longer than expected, which the Super Eagles must improve if they want to win the tournament.
Still A Concern Regarding Defensive Frailties
Tanzania’s No. 10 Ally Samatta and Nigeria’s No. 06 Semi Ajayi square off against each other in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football game that takes place on December 23, 2025 at Fez Stadium in Fes. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)After scoring a goal in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Nigeria and Tanzania at Fez Stadium in Fes on December 23, 2025, Nigeria’s forward #07 Ademola Lookman receives a congratulations from Nigeria’s forward #22 Akor Adams. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
What initially appeared to be a comfortable game for the Super Eagles turned tense in the second half after Tanzania found an equaliser despite Osimhen’s difficulties in scoring. Reported defensive issues resurfaced for a team that has a worrying habit of conceding avoidable—often late—goals.
Nigeria’s back line struggled to recover after a costly turnover by Zaidu Sanusi in a dangerous area. A clever piece of play by the Taifa Stars allowed Tanzania to break through the defense and defeat Stanley Nwabali in goal, which was unfortunate for the central defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and Samuel Ajayi.
The incident served as a reminder that, despite Nigeria’s unquestionable potential ahead, defensive concentration will continue to be a problem as the tournament progresses.
Tanzania’s goalkeeper kept it respectable.
Tanzania can credit Zuberi Masudi with preventing a more severe defeat, despite Nigeria’s impressive performance. His crucial interventions, particularly those that denied Chukwueze, prevented the scoreline from fully reflecting the play’s balance. It served as a reminder that a strong opposition will need to be effective in front of the goal.
Tunisia’s focus shifts to Nigeria during AFCON:
On December 23, 2025, Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football game at Fez Stadium in Fes. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
The Super Eagles kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against a tenacious Tanzania 2-1.  ,
The Super Eagles will have all three points in play on Tuesday thanks to Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scoring one goal each.
WIN, ONTO THEN! #Naija4TheWin image is #NGATAN. https://twitter.com/SeksWuoE0e
On December 23, 2025, Nigeria’s defenseman #06 Semi Ajayi (R) celebrates his goal in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football game between Tanzania and Nigeria at Fez Stadium in Fes. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
In the 37th minute, the West Brom defender rose to the top and fired home a cross from Alex Iwobi to give the Super Eagles a lead in Group C.
52 minutes into the match, Lookman scored the second goal for Nigeria to give the Super Eagles all three points.
In the opening exchanges in Fes, Morocco, Nigeria deservedly dominated play after suffering a heartbreaking 2026 World Cup qualification failure.
Akor Adam’s strike in Sevilla’s 2025 AFCON was likely to be Nigeria’s opening game of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen almost doubled the Super Eagles’ lead just a few seconds later, but his shot was saved off the line. Nigeria led the Taifa Stars 1-0 heading into the tunnel with 45 minutes left.
The Napoli forward believed he had scored after the break when he found the net twenty minutes later. However, offside caused his 52nd-minute effort to be rejected.
After a cool finish by William M’Mombwa, the East Africans capitalized on Nigeria’s defense sloppiness to level the playing field in the 50th minute.
The three-time champions, however, only had two minutes to take the lead. Lookman, who played for Atalanta in the Italian League of Nations, picked the ball from the middle of the pack, launching a shot past Zuberi Masudi, the goalkeeper, from where it was nestled.
In Nigeria’s Group C clash with Tanzania, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has selected strikers Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, and midfielder Alex Iwobi.  ,
Nwabali struggled with injuries and was in doubt before the tournament, but he has recovered well in time for the game. The team’s attack will be led by Omen, Nigeria’s topman.
Nwabali struggled with injuries and was in doubt before the tournament, but he has recovered well in time for the game.
How do we face the Taifa Stars in this photo! #NGATAN #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 pic. twitter.com/CUQLi35EdQ
Akor Adams will assist the Galatasaray man in their attack, while Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will assist them on both flanks.
Calvin Bassey and Calvin Bassey will play defense. In fullback, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi play, respectively, left and right, respectively.
Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will be playing midfield at Fulham. The game will begin by 6: 30 pm (Nigeria/WAT) on Tuesday, 23 December, 2025.
After taking up a leadership position ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed confidence and optimism. He added that the team is determined to make amends and is motivated by recent setbacks.
Ndidi, who was the team’s captain a few days ago, said the Super Eagles are confident heading into the AFCON.
“There is a lot of expectation.” The boys are really excited, the 28-year-old said in an interview with POOJA on Tuesday, and everyone is talking about it. “We’re prepared for the challenge,” the statement read.
The former Leicester player, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished players and a regular member of the squad, described taking the national team as a privilege that comes with additional responsibility.
[Preview] Nigeria Launches Campaign For Fourth AFCON Title Against Tanzania
The midfielder for Beşiktaş emphasized that despite his changing circumstances, his commitment to the team has not.
He declared, “It’s really exciting.” The same player has improved significantly and given him more responsibility. It’s an honor and privilege to lead the Super Eagles.
With the assistance of the managers, the coaching staff, and the senior players, I’m prepared to lead the team and give everything.
After failing to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria will now attempt to win the tournament, which has had a profound impact on both players and supporters.
The Super Eagles captain believes the AFCON offers an opportunity to change the squad’s disappointment, despite admitting it still lingers within the squad.
The midfielder said, “Nipping out on a World Cup spotter was really sad for us as players and Nigerians.” However, this tournament represents a significant step in our efforts to rekindle positivity.
