Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has praised the performances of two Nigerian players following the team’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured all three points for the three-time African champions in a match played on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Yakubu highlighted the importance of starting the tournament with a win.

He said, “The most important we got the three points. They're going to be under pressure because not qualifying for the World Cup and they lost there, and our first game after not qualifying, you know, first game in Afcon  is always very difficult.

“The most important we got the three points today and let's look forward for the next game. Need to work hard and fight as a team.”

Reflecting on the match, the former forward acknowledged Nigeria’s narrow escape, noting, “We were lucky today. When you look at Tanzania, they have chances to kill the game and we're lucky to get away with it, and hopefully against Tunisia is not going to be easy. It's going to be a tough one.”

On the question of tactics and the coach’s approach, Yakubu stressed patience, stating, “It's too early to complain about the coach tactics, you know. Let's look forward to the next game.

“Normally, like I said, you know, in Afcon, your first game is always difficult, and we should give the team… we should wait for the next game and see and we shouldn't start judging them. No, it's too early to judge them. Today, I can say today is much better.”

Yakubu singled out Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi for their impact in the game.

“You have in Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, and so far so good, you know. Better than they try to create chances and they create some chances for Osimhen and is just unlucky today, you know, but we still need creative midfield. But the midfield today with Chukwueze, I think he did very well today.”

He also reflected on the evolving competitiveness of African football, saying, “There's no giant of Africa anymore, you know. All the countries, they all playing in Europe now, you know, it's different now, you know. So we just need to keep winning our games and see how it goes.”

The Super Eagles will face Tunisia in their second group-stage match on Saturday, December 27, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum in the tournament.

Wale Adejumo