Ibrahim Auwal produced the sport’s most decisive second as Nigeria edged Tunisia 1-0 of their opening Group D fixture on the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reviews.
Match’s document winners Nigeria have been favourites for the win contained in the 30 June Stadium in Cairo however Tunisia made it a contest.
Nonetheless, Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles did simply sufficient to bag three factors and a clear sheet to start out their marketing campaign on a optimistic observe.
Listed here are 5 key takeaways from Nigeria’s slender, however essential, victory:
1. Auwal’s second of brilliance lit up Cairo
Auwal Ibrahim named Man of the Match after a standout efficiency for the Flying Eagles.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGATUN
| #AuwalIbrahim pic.twitter.com/hEjBjAI5S2— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) Could 1, 2025
In a recreation that always felt prefer it was crawling towards a stalemate, Ibrahim Auwal produced the sport’s solely piece of real magic.
His Thirty sixth-minute purpose wasn’t nearly timing – it was a show of composure and technical mastery.
The motion started with a raking lengthy ball out of defence that discovered Kparobo Arierhi huge on the left. Arierhi’s low cross appeared innocent at first look, however Auwal had different concepts. His first contact glided him between two flat-footed Tunisian defenders earlier than slotting coolly previous the keeper. It was a second of supreme particular person high quality, and one which earned him the Man of the Match award. In a cagey affair, that spark made all of the distinction.
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2. Harcourt’s reflexes save the day
Whereas Auwal will seize the headlines, Ebenezer Harcourt’s efficiency in purpose was equally important.
The Flying Eagles’ keeper pulled off two top-drawer reflex saves within the second half – each from shut vary – when Tunisia threatened to grab an equaliser.
The 19-year-old learn the sport effectively, commanded his field with authority, and confirmed maturity past his years. Tunisia could not have been prolific, however the few probabilities they created have been harmful. Harcourt’s alertness ensured Nigeria preserved their slender lead and left with a clear sheet.
3. Strong defence – Or weak Tunisian assault?
Nigeria’s backline of Adamu Maigari, Emmanuel Chukwu, Odinaka Okoro and captain Daniel Bamaiyi held agency for a lot of the match, protecting Tunisia largely at bay. They have been compact, communicated effectively, and made well timed interceptions.
Nonetheless, context is vital.
Tunisia’s attacking play lacked innovative, with their frontline struggling to penetrate Nigeria’s strains or exploit huge areas successfully.
Whether or not Nigeria’s defence was actually examined stays a degree of debate – and one thing which will solely be answered in sterner exams, beginning with Morocco.
Nonetheless, for a match opener, protecting a clear sheet is a confidence-booster, and credit score should go to the defenders for sustaining their form all through.
4. Assault wants sharpening – and quick
Regardless of dominating possession and launching a number of promising counters, Nigeria’s assault usually fell flat within the last third.
The Flying Eagles had a number of probabilities to place the sport to mattress however lacked the composure and decision-making wanted in entrance of purpose.
Even the VAR-overturned penalty wasn’t sufficient to masks the wastefulness on show. Zubairu’s frontmen confirmed tempo and directness, however the last cross was steadily undercooked or overhit. With Morocco up subsequent, Nigeria will have to be way more scientific.
5. Turnovers that might value dearly
Within the last 20 minutes, Nigeria started to indicate indicators of complacency. Sloppy passes in midfield gifted Tunisia a number of turnovers, exposing the defence to fast transitions. It was a dangerous spell that might have undone their good work.
The group’s construction momentarily crumbled throughout these phases, and solely poor Tunisian ending – plus Harcourt’s heroics – stored the scoreline intact. It’s a warning signal for Zubairu: towards higher-quality opposition, such lapses may show deadly.
Soccernet.ng’s verdict
Nigeria shall be delighted to start out their U20 AFCON marketing campaign with a win, however the efficiency leaves lots to work on.
Auwal’s high quality, Harcourt’s secure arms, and a strong defensive show present positives – however the assault wants polish, and midfield sloppiness have to be stamped out.
The Flying Eagles face Morocco subsequent – a facet with sharper instruments and extra match expertise. If Nigeria are to stay as much as their billing as title contenders, Zubairu’s facet should take the teachings from this slender win and enhance, quick.