Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria must improve after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in the 2025 AFCON opener

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged that Nigeria still has work to do despite opening their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.

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Forty-five years after beating the Taifa Stars 3–1 in the opening match of the 1980 AFCON in Lagos, Nigeria had to labour for another opening-day triumph.

Centre-back Semi Ajayi gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 36th minute, heading in Alex Iwobi’s corner for his second international goal.

Tanzania equalised shortly after the restart through Charles M’Mombwa, but Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage almost immediately. Chelle’s side held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points.

Despite the win, Chelle was critical of his team’s second-half performance.

“We have to analyse this win because we did a lot of good things in the first half to create chances to score,” he said.

“We had many opportunities, but in the second half we gave Tanzania the chance to come back into the game. We made two mistakes. Of course we are happy with the three points, but at the AFCON the most important thing is to improve with every game.”

Nigeria will next face Tunisia on Saturday, with Chelle expecting a tougher challenge.

“Tunisia are a big team. We have to improve defensively, and we need more movement both when we have the ball and when we don’t. I congratulate my players for the win, but we still have a lot of work to do,” he added.

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The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, are targeting their fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.