Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign has started with a win, and on paper, that is all that really matters. A 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Fes delivers three points, momentum, and early control of Group C. Yet, for all the relief Ademola Lookman’s thunderous strike brought, the performance itself leaves room for debate.
This was a game Nigeria largely controlled, dominated statistically, and arguably should have settled much earlier. The Super Eagles enjoyed close to 60 per cent possession, created more chances, and camped for long spells in the Tanzanian half. Semi Ajayi’s well-taken header before half-time felt like the natural outcome of that pressure, and for a while, the match looked like it might open up comfortably.
 |
The equaliser from Charles M’Mombwa shortly after the restart was a reminder of a familiar AFCON truth: dominance means little without ruthlessness. Tanzania’s move was sharp, confident, and exposed a moment of defensive complacency. That brief lapse could easily have shifted the narrative of Nigeria’s tournament before it had truly begun.
Lookman’s response, however, was decisive. His strike from outside the box was not just technically excellent — it was timely, authoritative, and symbolic. At a moment when Nigeria looked vulnerable, he delivered clarity. It was the type of goal that separates contenders from participants. Yet even after regaining the lead, Nigeria never fully put the contest to bed.
Victor Osimhen’s night summed up that unease. The talisman worked tirelessly, threatened constantly, and even found the net — only for VAR to intervene. But his frustration was visible, his finishing inconsistent, and his influence ultimately limited. Nigeria winning despite an off-day from their star striker is encouraging, but it also reinforces an uncomfortable truth: this team cannot afford to rely on Osimhen alone.
Alex Iwobi’s performance was arguably the real takeaway. Operating intelligently between the lines, he provided creativity, composure, and two assists. His influence suggested a team capable of evolving beyond predictable patterns — if allowed to do so consistently.
Tanzania, for their part, deserve credit. Ranked far below Nigeria and still searching for their first AFCON win, they played with discipline, courage, and flashes of quality. Their late chances hinted at what might have been and underlined Nigeria’s nervous finish. A more clinical side may have punished that loss of control. So what does this opening win really tell us?
Nigeria have quality. Nigeria have depth. Nigeria have moments of brilliance. But they also showed lingering fragility — a hangover, perhaps, from recent World Cup disappointment. The ability to win without playing at full throttle is a strength; the inability to kill games off remains a concern.
As tougher tests loom against Tunisia and Uganda, the Super Eagles will need more than isolated moments of magic. AFCON tournaments are rarely won by flair alone — they demand composure, control, and conviction over 90 minutes. Lookman has lit the spark. The bigger question is whether Nigeria can sustain the fire.
No comments:
Post a Comment