AFCON 2025
Nigeria started its quest to win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations with a win as the Super Eagles edged Tanzania on Tuesday evening.
Alexander Iwobi had an amazing game as he provided two assists – one for Semi Ajayi and the other for Ademola Lookman in the victory over the Taifa Stars.
Lookaman’s goal is his fourth in the Africa Cup of Nations since he made his debut at the 2023 edition.
Calvin Bassey was solid in defense especially in one v one situations and impressive positional plays to neutralise attacks from the opposition.
Although, the Super Eagles won, it was not a flawless performance. Had Tanzania had the quality in front of goal, they could have been a shocker.
Here are 3 observations from the match.
1. The Super Eagles looked shaky in defense.
Semi Ajayi scored but the Hull City defender started the game lacking confidence. The lanky defender is an asset in the air but sometimes appears leggy and indecisive in defense.
The major culprit in defense on the night was Zaudu Sanusi. The FC Porto left-back had a poor outing as he struggled to defend the ball, create overloads on the left channel and often crossed the ball over everyone in the box. He was really poor.
2. Dele Bashiru and Moses Simon Anonymous
The introduction of Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon of Paris FC added nothing to the game in the second half which raises questions on Eric Chelle’s reading of the game and substitution know-how. Neither of the the two players created a chance,or put a meaningful ball into the box for Paul Onuachu who came on for Osimhen.
3. Iwobi was faultless
The Fulham midfielder had a game he would always want to watch over and over again. He marked his 92nd appearance in the colours of the Super Eagles with two assists on the night. The much-maligned midfielder silenced his critics as he operated in and around the half spaces of the left midfield as he broke the lines with his incisive passes, movements and spacing.
The Super Eagles won but Eric Chelle must address key issues in defense and have a better understanding of his player profiles and substitutions based on the outcome of the first match of the competition. More will be required of the Franco-Malian as the competition progresses as he admitted he made some bad choices in a post-match briefing:
“I did lot of choices, some were good, some were not good. I told the journalists that I have my vision and I’m the coach”
