Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has singled out two key players for praise following the Super Eagles' narrow victory in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Aiyegbeni's Analysis of the AFCON Opener
Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night, December 23. The match, played in Fez, Morocco, saw the three-time champions secure three vital points but not without a significant scare from the Taifa Stars.
Defender Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 36th minute, powering home a header from an Alex Iwobi cross. Tanzania equalised early in the second half through Charles M'Mombwa in the 50th minute, but Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria's lead just two minutes later with a superb solo effort, dribbling past four defenders.
Iwobi and Chukwueze Earn Legend's Praise
In his post-match assessment, the former Everton and Middlesbrough striker highlighted the contributions of Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze. Aiyegbeni, who earned 57 caps for Nigeria, explained that the pair were instrumental in creating opportunities, particularly for star striker Victor Osimhen, who was unlucky not to score.
"We have Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, and so far so good, you know," Aiyegbeni stated. "They try to create chances, and they created some chances for Victor Osimhen. He was just unlucky today. But the midfield today with Samuel Chukwueze, I think he did very well; the most important thing is we got the three points."
The 43-year-old legend, however, noted that the team still lacks a truly creative midfielder capable of dictating the tempo and turning games around single-handedly.
Pressure on Coach Eric Chelle
Aiyegbeni also addressed the mounting pressure on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. He pointed out that failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased expectations for a strong performance at AFCON 2025.
"Eric Chelle is going to be under pressure for not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this is their first game after suffering defeat to DR Congo," he said. "The first match in the AFCON is always very difficult. Let's look forward to the next game. The team needs to work hard and fight as a team."
The former Portsmouth star admitted that Nigeria were fortunate to escape with a win, crediting Tanzania's defensive organization and their own failure to convert clear chances.
"We were lucky today," Aiyegbeni conceded. "When you look at Tanzania, they had chances to kill the game and we were lucky to get away with it. Hopefully against Tunisia it is not going to be easy. It's going to be a tough one."
Meanwhile, match officials awarded the Man of the Match honour to goalscorer Semi Ajayi for his commanding defensive display and crucial opening goal.
