Nigeria’s national Under 20 team, the Flying Eagles began their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign underway as they defeated their Tunisian counterparts 1-0 on Thursday in Egypt.
Midfielder Auwal Ibrahim scored the game’s only goal in the 38th minute that proved to be decisive, having been put through on a pass from left back Odinaka Okoro before converting beyond the hapless Tunisia goalkeeper, Thomas Zouaghi.
The Flying Eagles started the brighter of both sides but could not break down their North African counterparts who matched them in a tight contest.
Nigeria’s goal came shortly after the Tunisians had grown into the game although they found it difficult to cope with the pace of left back Okoro who eventually turned provider for Ibrahim’s 38th minute winner.
Nigeria thought they had extended their lead in the 70th minute when centre referee Abdou Abdel Mefire from Cameroon pointed to the spot after substitute Rickson Mendos was brought down in the box but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overturned the onfield decision of the referee.
The Nigerians continued their dominance of the game until the 87th minute when Tunisia created their best chance of the game but goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made a brilliant save to deny Anis Doubal from close range.
The Flying Eagles held on from then and continue their impressive record in their opening matches of the competition after having won seven of their last nine opening games at the U20 AFCON before Thursday.
Tunisia, meanwhile, continued their winless streak against West African opposition at this level, a run dating back to 1987.
Nigeria will next line up against Morocco on Sunday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo by 9pm local time (7pm in Nigeria) as they look to progress to the quarter finals.
The flying eagles, coached by Aliyu Zubair are bidding for a record extending eighth U20 AFCON title
Nigeria Squad vs Tunisia
Ebenezer Harcourt, Adamu Maigari, Daniel Bameyi, Emmanuel Chukwu, Odinaka Okoro, Caleb Ochedikwu, Auwal Ibrahim (Suleiman Alabi 90’), Clinton Jephta (Tahir Maigana 89’), Divine Oliseh (Yushau Armiyau 68’), Bidemi Amole (Rickson Mendos 68’), Kparobo Arierhi (Precious Benjamin 88’)