AFCON 2025 Group C warmed up to an interesting start as two nations secured victory, while the others have to pick themselves up as a place at the knockout stages is already slipping away, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria sealed a narrow 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals for the Super Eagles, while Charles M’Mombwa scored the only goal for the Taifa Stars.
At the Stade Olympique de Rabat, Tunisia put three past Paul Put’s Uganda. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring inside ten minutes before Elias Achouri’s double put Sami Trabelsi’s men out of sight. Denis Omedi scored a consolation goal for the Ugandan’s in the 92nd minute.
With the first round of fixtures gone, Soccernet.ng highlights five players who put up exceptional displays in Group C.
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AFCON 2025 Group C: Five players who stole the show on matchday one
1. Semi Ajayi
The Hull City defender rose highest to score Nigeria’s opener against Tanzania, his second-ever in the green and white colours of the Super Eagles.
The former Arsenal defender was also very useful in winning the aerial duels defensively to keep the Tanzanian forwards at Bay.
With William Troost-Ekong bowing out of the Nigerian National team, Ajayi is following the path the former Super Eagles captain walked in Ivory Coast two years ago.
2. Ellyes Skhiri
The Eintracht Frankfurt man was tidy in possession for the Tunisians. He kept them ticking from midfield before stepping up after ten minutes with a brilliant header to open the scoring against Uganda.
The 30-year-old recorded 89% in his pass accuracy and was never dispossessed whenever he was on the ball. Ahead of Tunisia’s clash against Nigeria, the former FC Koln man will be one to watch.
3. Elias Achouri
The FC København winger was unstoppable against Uganda. He scored two brilliant goals to help Tunisia secure three points in their opening game.
The brace he scored came from the two shots he took as well, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal.
4. Alex Iwobi
Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania shed new light on Alex Iwobi’s reputation in the Super Eagles jersey, considering how the previous AFCON campaign ended.
The Fulham midfielder, despite playing from deep, was at his creative best, setting up Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman while creating several chances that could’ve seen him garner more than the two assists he ended with on the night.
5. Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta winger, for the first time in a long time, looked like his old self in the Super Eagles shirt. Although he played away from his preferred left flank, he dropped into the half spaces between the midfield and attack, trying to create chances.
Fortunately, Iwobi’s pass found him on the edge of the box, and he unleashed a lethal left-foot strike into the top corner of Zuberi Foba’s goal.