AFCON 2025 Group C delivered plenty of talking points on matchday one, with Nigeria and Tunisia laying down early markers in the race for the knockout stages, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles edged past Tanzania 2-1 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia cruised to a convincing 3-1 win over Uganda at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
With the opening round of fixtures concluded, Soccernet.ng has selected the AFCON 2025 Group C Best XI from matchday one, highlighting the standout performers across both encounters.
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1. Zuberi Foba – Tanzania
Despite conceding twice against Nigeria, Foba kept Tanzania in the contest for long spells. His sharp reflexes and command of the box prevented the scoreline from getting out of hand, especially during Nigeria’s dominant first-half spell.
The 23-year-old sure has a strong future ahead of him as he made eight saves against the Super Eagles to keep the scoreline respectable.
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Nigeria
The right-back was one of Nigeria’s decision performers, combining defensive discipline with energy going forward.
It wasn’t his best game in the Super Eagles jersey as he looked out of place sometimes, but he stood up well against Tanzania’s wide threats.
3. Semi Ajayi – Nigeria
Ajayi was immense at both ends of the pitch. He opened the scoring with a towering header and marshalled Nigeria’s backline with authority, winning key aerial duels and making crucial interventions under pressure.
His impressive display saw him go home with the man of the match award, and he’ll be keen to replicate such displays as the tournament goes on.
4. Calvin Bassey – Nigeria
The Fulham defender was calm and assured at the heart of Nigeria’s defence. He read the game well, snuffed out Tanzania’s attacking transitions, while starting the transition that led to the corner, which in turn led to Nigeria’s opener.
5. Ali Abdi – Tunisia
Abdi provided balance on the left side, contributing defensively while also offering an outlet in attack. His positioning helped Tunisia overload Uganda’s right flank.
HIGHLIGHTS: 3-1
Tunisia with a brilliant opener. A dominant win over Uganda in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/UKzIBYJC6a
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025
His brilliant shoulder drop and turn were impressive, but even the resulting cross to set up Elias Achouri’s firs goal was sublime.
6. Ellyes Skhiri – Tunisia
Skhiri was the heartbeat of Tunisia’s midfield. He dictated the tempo, recycled possession efficiently, and capped his performance with a well-taken header to open the scoring. A complete midfield display.
The Frankfurt man was simply impossible to wrestle off the ball.
7. Hannibal Mejbri – Tunisia
The former Manchester United midfielder struggled for game time with Burnley in the English Premier League this season, recording just four starts.
However, his display against Uganda yesterday would’ve certainly put him on the radar of some top clubs. The 22-year-old created four chances, the most of any outfield player on the pitch last night. His work rate and ball progression were top-notch.
8. Alex Iwobi – Nigeria
Operating from deep, the Fulham midfielder pulled the strings for Nigeria. He registered two assists, constantly broke lines with his passing, and controlled the rhythm of play whenever the Super Eagles pushed forward.
2 – Against Tanzania in matchday one, Alex Iwobi became just the second Nigerian player on record (since 2010) to provide two assists in a single CAF Africa Cup of Nations game, after John Obi Mikel against Mali in February 2013 (2). Eagle. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/dttWrpl7qh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 24, 2025
He could’ve found the back of the net, or even registered more than two assists if Nigeria were more clinical in front of goal last night.
9. Charles M’Mombwa – Tanzania
M’Mombwa never stopped running and was rewarded with a consolation goal against the Super Eagles. His pressing and movement caused brief problems for Nigeria’s defence and earned him a place in the XI.
10. Elias Achouri – Tunisia
Achouri was devastating on the wing. His two goals came from intelligent movement and ruthless finishing, underlining why he remains one of Tunisia’s most dangerous attacking outlets.
Tunisia’s Elias Achouri puts on a show. A brace and a captivating performance earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/9CEaZQUNeW
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 23, 2025
The FC København winger’s captivating performance saw him head home with the man of the match award, and it’s no less than he deserved.
11. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria
Lookman rediscovered his spark on the AFCON stage. Playing with more freedom in a central role, he constantly drifted into dangerous spaces around the Tanzania box and crowned his performance with a stunning left-footed strike.
As Group C heads into matchday two, performances like those of Semi Ajayi, Ellyes Skhiri, and Elias Achouri have already set the benchmark, with all eyes now turning to the decisive fixtures that could shape the group’s final standings.
Uganda will play against Tanzania at the Al Medina Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off slated for 6:30 PM WAT, while Nigeria lock horns against Tunisia at the Complexe Sportif de Fès by 9:00 PM.