The Flying Eagles kicked off their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.
The result marks back-to-back AFCON wins for Nigeria over Tunisia, following their 4-0 triumph in the third-place playoff of the previous edition.
This time, it was a tighter affair, but the Flying Eagles held firm to claim all three points in their Group B opener.
Auwal Ibrahim emerged the hero of the night, scoring the match-winning goal in the 37th minute.
Ibrahim latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Odinaka Okoro before calmly slotting past the Tunisian goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
Tunisia had the game’s first real opportunity in the sixth minute but failed to capitalize, and from then on, Nigeria slowly grew into the contest.
The Flying Eagles’ organization and compact defence kept the North Africans at bay throughout the remainder of the first half.
The second half saw both teams take a more cautious approach. Tunisia pushed in search of an equalizer but struggled to break down a resolute Nigerian defense.
Nigeria, meanwhile, looked to manage the game and protect their slim advantage.
In the 72nd minute, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review offering Tunisia a lifeline that they ultimately failed to take.
Elsewhere in Group B, the second fixture between Morocco and debutants Kenya will take place later today. The outcome of that match could shape the dynamics of the group moving forward.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his players will now set their sights on their next challenge an anticipated clash against Morocco on Sunday, May 4.
With momentum on their side, the Flying Eagles will look to maintain their winning form and take a big step toward qualification for the knockout stages.
