Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday night, thanks in large part to defender Semi Ajayi, who was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance.
The match, played in front of thousands of fans, saw Nigeria take the lead in the 36th minute through Ajayi, who scored with a powerful header from Alex Iwobi’s precise cross. This goal marked Ajayi’s second in international football for Nigeria, reinforcing his importance to the team both defensively and offensively.
Ajayi, who plays his club football for West Bromwich Albion in England, was a commanding presence throughout the game. Aside from scoring the opener, he delivered a solid performance at the back, helping the Super Eagles maintain composure against an energetic Tanzanian side. The 31-year-old played the full 90 minutes, showcasing leadership and experience in defence.
The win was an important start for Nigeria under head coach Eric Chelle, as it gave the team three points in the group stage and a boost in confidence for the tournament. Tanzania, though resilient and determined, were unable to maintain parity despite equalizing in the second half. Nigeria regained the lead to secure the narrow victory, demonstrating both tactical discipline and determination.
Alex Iwobi, who provided the assist for Ajayi’s goal, continued to show why he is a key player for the national team. His vision and ability to deliver accurate crosses proved decisive in breaking down Tanzania’s defence. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ midfield worked tirelessly to control possession and create scoring opportunities, though they were occasionally tested by Tanzania’s counterattacks.
The victory is significant for Nigeria as it marks the start of their AFCON journey with momentum. Historically, the Super Eagles have been one of Africa’s most successful teams, and fans are hoping for another strong run in the tournament. Nigeria has previously won the AFCON three times, and the team is eager to add a fourth title to its record.
Tanzania, on the other hand, showed determination despite the loss. Coach Hussein Amoy led the East African side with discipline, and his players tested Nigeria’s defence on several occasions. Although they were unable to take any points from the game, the experience will be valuable as they look to improve in upcoming matches.
Semi Ajayi’s Man of the Match award reflects his influence not only in scoring but also in organising the defence and maintaining stability under pressure. His performance highlights the importance of experienced players in guiding the team through crucial moments, especially in tightly contested AFCON games.
The win also provides Nigeria with a positive start to the group stage, giving them an advantage in the race to qualify for the knockout rounds. The Super Eagles will look to build on this victory in their next match, aiming to secure more points and establish themselves as favourites in the tournament.
Fans have praised Ajayi’s performance on social media, celebrating his goal and defensive efforts. Many observers highlighted that his leadership on the field was key in managing the pressure of a closely contested match. This performance adds to his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s reliable defenders and a player capable of making decisive contributions at both ends of the pitch.
The match also demonstrated the importance of teamwork and tactical awareness. Nigeria’s defenders, midfielders, and forwards worked together to overcome the challenges posed by a determined Tanzanian side. Communication and coordination were crucial, with Ajayi at the centre of defensive organisation, ensuring that gaps were closed and opportunities limited.
With the win, Nigeria has set a positive tone for the rest of their AFCON 2025 campaign. Fans will be hoping the team continues this form, with Semi Ajayi and other key players maintaining their high standards. The victory also serves as a reminder of the depth and quality in Nigeria’s squad, capable of competing at the highest levels of African football.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will face their next group stage opponents with confidence, aiming to secure qualification to the knockout rounds. The team’s strong defensive foundation, combined with attacking talent like Ajayi and Iwobi, provides a balanced approach to future challenges.
