Former Nigerian goalkeeper Cornelius Gopar was delighted with the country’s victory over Tanzania, but believes the Super Eagles can perform better in coming matches, SportPremi reports.
The Nigerian national team kickstarted their 2025 African Cup of Nations campaign with a hard fought 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
The buildup to the tournament was surrounded with how the Super Eagles would react to the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final in November.
The three-time African champions were also beaten finalist at the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final.
On Tuesday night, they took the lead in the first half through Semi Ajayi, who powered home a header beyond the Tanzania goalkeeper.
The Taifa Stars equalized after Nigeria showed lapse of concentration at the back, but a sumptuous effort from Ademola Lookman put them back in front and they overcame a tense finish to the game to seal a 2-1 win.
Gopar calls for better display against Tunisia and Uganda
Cornelious Gopar, a former Nigerian U-23 goalkeeper, reacted to the Super Eagles win over Tanzania in their 2025 AFCON opener.
The team displayed signs of crack at some points in the game, with their profligacy in front of goal and lack of coordination at times at the backline.
“I am happy we won, but I cannot say the same about the performance of the team against the Tanzanians. Most times, first games at tournaments are usually tough, so I am not surprised. Again, Tanzania came with a game plan to sit back and hit on the counter-attack, and that is how they got their goal”, Gopar revealed after the match.
“I really expected a lot from the boys, but the urgency was not there for long periods of the game. We kept it slow in transition, which suited the Tanzanians as they were able to quickly organise their low block.
“In the end, our quality, individual quality, gave us the three points, but there are going to be more difficult games against Tunisia and Uganda. I know we will improve with each game, and I hope the coach will also find a way to get the players to gel together”, he continued.
“As a coach myself, I do not want to criticise the coach too much, but he needs to understand his players and where they play best. It is very important so that we can get the best out of them,” he added.
What next for the Super Eagles?
Following victory in their opening match against Tanzania, the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the toughest opponent in the group, Tunisia, who they face next Saturday.
A win would seal their spot in the knockout stages of the competition and afford head coach Eric Chelle the chance to rotate the squad in the final clash of the group stage against Uganda on the 30th.
All eyes will be on the Fez Stadium to see how the Super Eagles fare against their North African rivals in their next game.
