Super Eagles Edge Past Taifa Stars In AFCON Opener, Coach Chelle Calls For Improvements Ahead Of Tunisia Clash

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, kicked off their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

Despite securing the win on Tuesday evening, head coach Eric Chelle warned that significant improvements are still needed as the team prepares for a tougher challenge against the highly rated Tunisian side in the next round of fixtures.

The match at the Stade de Fes saw Nigeria take command through Semi Ajayi, who scored with a powerful header in the 36th minute, expertly set up by a cross from Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in control. Still, their lead was briefly threatened when Tanzania’s Kokola M’mombwa capitalised on a defensive lapse to score an equaliser just before halftime, sending a chill through the Nigerian camp.

Fortunately for the Super Eagles, Ademola Lookman restored their advantage shortly after the break, putting Nigeria firmly back in the driver’s seat.

His well-placed shot snuck through the fingers of Tanzania’s goalkeeper, securing a vital three points for Nigeria.

After the final whistle, Chelle expressed mixed feelings about his side’s performance.

While he acknowledged the value of a win, he emphasised the need for better defensive coordination and offensive fluidity ahead of their next encounter.

“We did some good things in the first half; we created chances to score, but in the second half, we allowed Tanzania to come back into the game.
“We need to analyse this win because we have a lot to improve on,” he stated during his post-match media briefing.

With Tunisia looming on the horizon, a team heaped with accolades for their World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding, Chelle knows that the upcoming match will require a more disciplined display from his players.

“We need to improve on a lot of things defensively and increase our movement, both with and without the ball,” he added.

Chelle’s comments echoed the sentiments of many analysts who noted that even though the result was favourable, the Super Eagles’ defensive frailties could prove detrimental against top-tier teams.

The coach’s call for improvement highlights the balancing act of maintaining confidence while striving for excellence—a task made more challenging by the intensity of tournament play.

In recognition of his standout performance, Semi Ajayi was bestowed the Man of the Match award.

This accolade marked a significant moment for the 29-year-old centre-back, as it was his second international goal and showcased his crucial role in the Super Eagles’ back line.

His leadership in defence will be pivotal as Nigeria prepares to face the sturdy Tunisian team.

Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will have to quickly regroup and address their defensive shortcomings.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as Nigeria seeks to build on this win and solidify their position in Group C.

The match against Tunisia, set to take place in just a few days, promises to be a defining moment for the Super Eagles as they aim for glory in Morocco.

As the tournament progresses, the message from Chelle is clear: winning is just the first step; now the real challenge lies in consistent improvement and maintaining momentum in one of Africa’s most prestigious football competitions.