AFCON 2025
Nigeria began their campaign for an eighth CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations crown with a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Thursday’s Group B encounter at Cairo’s 30 June Air Defence Stadium.
The match was decided by a 38th-minute goal from Auwal Ibrahim, who finished calmly after latching onto a clever pass from Odinaka Okoro.
The strike proved decisive in a match that featured fierce physical contests, defensive grit, and a tense final stretch.
The Flying Eagles started brightly, pressing high and creating a handful of opportunities, but were met by a disciplined Tunisian side that refused to concede easily.
Nigeria’s breakthrough came just before halftime, with Ibrahim’s composed finish putting them ahead.
Tunisia grew into the game and nearly found an equaliser before the break and again late in the match, with Omar Ben Ali and Anis Doubal threatening.
Doubal came closest in the 87th minute, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The final minutes saw Tunisia pile on the pressure with a series of corners and long-range efforts, but Nigeria’s defence—led by Daniel Bameyi and Adamu Maigari—stood resolute to secure the win.
With this result, Nigeria takes an early lead in a competitive group that also includes Morocco and Kenya. Tunisia, who reached the semi-finals in the last two editions, now face a must-win situation in their next outing.
The Flying Eagles’ impressive opening match record continues, having now avoided defeat in eight of their last ten tournament openers.
For Tunisia, the wait for a win against West African opposition at this level goes on, with their last such victory dating back to 1987.
