The Super Eagles were 2-1 victors over Tanzania in their opening clash at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria headed into the tournament seeking a fourth African title, after they came so close to lifting the prestigious AFCON trophy in 2023, losing to Ivory Coast in the final.
The three-time African champions started the game brightly and almost took an early lead, but Akor Adams was denied by a brilliant stop from rookie goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
Adams got the beating of the goalkeeper minutes later, but his header cannoned off the woodwork as the scoreline remained goalless.
Nigeria then took the lead into the break as Semi Ajayi headed in a cross from Alex Iwobi in the 36th minute.
Victor Osimhen had a strike ruled out for offside before two goals in three minutes from both sides set up a tense finish to the game.
Tanzania first grabbed the equalizer in the 50th minute through Charles M’Mombwa, before Ademola Lookman fired in a stunning effort in the 52nd minute of the encounter.
Several players stood out during the clash, and in this article, SportPremi highlights five Nigerian players who impressed.
1. Alex Iwobi
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was unlucky not to receive the player of the match award in the win over Tanzania, as he was the man that made things tick for the team.
The Fulham midfielder created six chances in the match and provided the assists for both of Nigeria’s goals, the first one being a delightful cross for Ajayi to head home.
Iwobi also had 87 touches of the ball and was unlucky not to find the back of the net in the second half.
2. Semi Ajayi
The experienced defender pipped Iwobi to the player of the match award with a brilliant display at both ends of the pitch.
Ajayi showed his aerial prowess to score Nigeria’s first goal and was also solid at the backline, making two tackles, two clearances and four recoveries.
The Hull City defender proved an able deputy and partner for Calvin Bassey in defence, in the absence of Benjamin Fredrick and William Troost-Ekong.
3. Samuel Chukwueze
Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze has been in remarkable form for the English club this season and was equally impressive in his first outing for Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old completed the most dribbles in the match and had the Tanzanian defenders on toast throughout his time on the pitch.
He would be hoping to add greater efficiency to his game in the coming matches, but remains a very big threat with then ball.
4. Moses Simon
Nigerian winger Moses Simon also put in an impressive shift after coming on for Chukwueze in the 59th minute.
The Paris FC attacker completed two dribbles and injected pace into the attack as the Super Eagles tried to kill off the game.
However, his end product needs massive improvement, but he could be a major threat for the team in coming matches.
5. Akor Adams
In just his fifth match for the Super Eagles, Akor Adams displayed incredible linkup with his teammates and was unlucky not to score in the opening minutes of the clash.
He had one effort saved by the goalkeeper, while he struck the crossbar with a header few minutes later and was a threat until his substitution in the 59th minute.
