Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations clash with Tanzania was a difficult match.

Nigeria headed into the interval with a one-goal lead, thanks to Semi Ajayi, who rose highest to head home a delivery from Alex Iwobi.

Charles M'Mombwa levelled matters in the 50th minute following a defensive lapse, only for Ademola Lookman to score what proved to be the game-winning goal two minutes later.

Ndidi, who is captaining Nigeria for the first time in a major tournament, described the win against the Taifa Stars as a controlled performance, insisting that the match was not as difficult as it appeared. 

Assessing the victory over Tanzania, the midfielder emphasised the importance of starting the tournament on a positive note, while admitting there are areas that still need work.

"It is an amazing experience leading the team. It’s a task which I needed to step up to, so it has been good so far," Ndidi told Proudly Austin. 

"It was a good win, which is the most important thing. The first game of a tournament is always like this, about getting the momentum, but there's always room for improvement.

"The most important thing is that we got the three points. We’ll go back, watch the game, see the things we need to improve on and then look forward to the next one.

"It was not a difficult match. The first half was good. In the second half we stayed back a bit, which made it look difficult, but every game is difficult.

"It's just about what we can do, hurt the opponents, this is why we are Nigerians."

Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against Tunisia, the Super Eagles captain stressed the need for improvement.

Ndidi concluded by saying: "Of course, 100 per cent. For now, I can’t say anything. We are actually training for that.

“As I said before, we have to learn from the Tanzania game before going into the Tunisia game."

Nigeria will be guaranteed a spot in the round of sixteen of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if they defeat Tunisia at the Fez Stadium on Saturday night.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel