Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has highlighted two key areas the Super Eagles must improve after their 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 32-year-old opened the scoring in the Group C opener, rising highest to head in a precise cross from Alex Iwobi, his first-ever international goal for Nigeria.

His goal capped off a commanding defensive display that later earned him the Man of the Match award.

Speaking post-match, Ajayi described the moment as unforgettable, emphasizing that goal-scoring duties should not rest solely on the strikers.

He highlighted the need for collective contribution across the squad as the Super Eagles aim for a strong tournament campaign.

“It was an amazing feeling to score for your country and in such a game like this to get into such a really good start,” he said.

“I was really pleased. It shows that we are one team that cannot only rely on the attackers to get goals.

“I think we need to get goals from all over the team. We can get goals from the team. The defenders and midfielders, every need to chip in if we want to do well in the tournament. I am glad we got off to a good start.”

 Despite the win, the former Arsenal defender acknowledged that there are still areas the team must improve on before facing Tunisia in their second group match.

He stressed that the team must get better at closing out matches and putting opponents away early to avoid tense finishes during the tournament.

“There are few things that we can improve but and also a lot of positives that we can take from the game as well.

“Like I said, we are definitely aware there are things that we need to do better like seeing out the game and also killing teams off. We will be working really hard on the training to put that right.”

With the opening-day victory secured, the Super Eagles will now shift their focus to their second group match against Tunisia, where a win could seal early qualification for the knockout stages.

Adeyemi Adewale