AFCON 2025: Semi Ajayi Highlights Super Eagles’ Team Spirit After Tanzania Win
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has stressed that Nigeria’s success is built on collective effort rather than a heavy reliance on attackers, following the team’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Ajayi was on the scoresheet alongside Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as Nigeria claimed all three points against the Taifa Stars in their Group C opener in Morocco.
Speaking after the match, the West Bromwich Albion defender reflected on the team’s growing maturity and experience, drawing confidence from their recent continental campaign.
“We had an amazing tournament in Ivory Coast,” Ajayi said in his post-match interview. “We are using that experience as our standard in this AFCON in Morocco.
“We’re a team that doesn’t need to get goals only from the attackers, and it’s pleasing for me to contribute to the success of the team.”
The win gives Nigeria a strong start to their campaign and places them firmly in contention as the group stage progresses.
Opinion: A Sign of a Balanced and Dangerous Super Eagles Side
Ajayi’s comments underline a quiet but important evolution in the Super Eagles. Teams that go far in tournaments are rarely one-dimensional, and Nigeria’s ability to find goals from different areas of the pitch makes them far more unpredictable.
When defenders step up with goals, it eases pressure on the forwards and forces opponents to defend every situation with caution—especially from set pieces. It also speaks to confidence within the squad, where every player feels empowered to make a difference.
Building on the experience from Ivory Coast, this Nigerian side looks more composed, more united, and tactically smarter. If that balance continues, the Super Eagles won’t just be winning matches—they’ll be growing into one of the most difficult teams to face in the competition.
For fans, it’s an encouraging sign that Nigeria’s AFCON journey in Morocco could be both exciting and rewarding.
