Center back Semi Ajayi said Nigeria still have work to do despite opening their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Group C.
The Super Eagles centre-back was named Man of the Match after scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in the 36th minute at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, rising highest to head home from an Alex Iwobi cross.
Nigeria controlled large spells of the contest but were briefly put under pressure early in the second half when Tanzania drew level through Charles M’Mombwa.
The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, with Ademola Lookman restoring the lead two minutes later after being set up by Iwobi, who finished the match with two assists.
Ademola Lookman celebrating Super Eagles winner against Tanzania. Photo Credit: Imago
Despite the win, Ajayi was keen to stress that improvement is still required as the tournament progresses.
“There are a few things we would iron out and improve, but there are also a lot of positives to take,” Ajayi told reporters after the match.
“We know we need to do better in terms of seeing out the game and killing teams off, and we’ve been working really hard on that in training.”
Semi Ajayi won the MVP award. Photo Credit: CAF
Ajayi added that Nigeria’s opening goal underlined the importance of contributions from across the team.
“It shows one team can’t only rely on attackers to get goals,” he said.
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“We get goals from all over the team, the defenders, the midfielders, everyone needs to chip in if we want to do well in the tournament.”
Ajayi. Photo Credit: Imago
Nigeria held on to secure all three points and now turn their attention to a Group C showdown with Tunisia, who sit top on goal difference following their win over Uganda.
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Tanzania will look to bounce back when they face East African neighbours and AFCON 2027 co-hosts Uganda in their next fixture.
