Five takeaways from Nigeria’s U20 AFCON win over Tunisia: Auwal magic, Harcourt heroics

Ibrahim Auwal produced the game’s most decisive moment as Nigeria edged Tunisia 1-0 in their opening Group D fixture at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tournament’s record winners Nigeria were favourites for the win inside the 30 June Stadium in Cairo but Tunisia made it a contest.

However, Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles did just enough to bag three points and a clean sheet to start their campaign on a positive note.

Here are five key takeaways from Nigeria’s narrow, but important, victory:

1. Auwal’s moment of brilliance lit up Cairo

In a game that often felt like it was crawling toward a stalemate, Ibrahim Auwal produced the game’s only piece of genuine magic.

His 36th-minute goal wasn’t just about timing – it was a display of composure and technical mastery.

The movement began with a raking long ball out of defence that found Kparobo Arierhi wide on the left. Arierhi’s low cross seemed harmless at first glance, but Auwal had other ideas. His first touch glided him between two flat-footed Tunisian defenders before slotting coolly past the keeper. It was a moment of supreme individual quality, and one that earned him the Man of the Match award. In a cagey affair, that spark made all the difference.

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2. Harcourt’s reflexes save the day

While Auwal will grab the headlines, Ebenezer Harcourt’s performance in goal was equally vital.

The Flying Eagles’ keeper pulled off two top-drawer reflex saves in the second half – both from close range – when Tunisia threatened to snatch an equaliser.

The 19-year-old read the game well, commanded his box with authority, and showed maturity beyond his years. Tunisia may not have been prolific, but the few chances they created were dangerous. Harcourt’s alertness ensured Nigeria preserved their slender lead and left with a clean sheet.

3. Solid defence – Or weak Tunisian attack?

Nigeria’s backline of Adamu Maigari, Emmanuel Chukwu, Odinaka Okoro and captain Daniel Bamaiyi held firm for much of the match, keeping Tunisia largely at bay. They were compact, communicated well, and made timely interceptions.

However, context is key.

Tunisia’s attacking play lacked cutting edge, with their frontline struggling to penetrate Nigeria’s lines or exploit wide areas effectively.

Whether Nigeria’s defence was truly tested remains a point of debate – and something that may only be answered in sterner tests, starting with Morocco.

Still, for a tournament opener, keeping a clean sheet is a confidence-booster, and credit must go to the defenders for maintaining their shape throughout.

4. Attack needs sharpening – and fast

Despite dominating possession and launching several promising counters, Nigeria’s attack often fell flat in the final third.

The Flying Eagles had multiple chances to put the game to bed but lacked the composure and decision-making needed in front of goal.

Even the VAR-overturned penalty wasn’t enough to mask the wastefulness on display. Zubairu’s frontmen showed pace and directness, but the final pass was frequently undercooked or overhit. With Morocco up next, Nigeria will need to be far more clinical.

5. Turnovers that could cost dearly

In the final 20 minutes, Nigeria began to show signs of complacency. Sloppy passes in midfield gifted Tunisia several turnovers, exposing the defence to quick transitions. It was a risky spell that could have undone their good work.

The team’s structure momentarily crumbled during those phases, and only poor Tunisian finishing – plus Harcourt’s heroics – kept the scoreline intact. It’s a warning sign for Zubairu: against higher-quality opposition, such lapses could prove fatal.

Soccernet.ng’s verdict

Nigeria will be delighted to start their U20 AFCON campaign with a win, but the performance leaves plenty to work on.

Auwal’s quality, Harcourt’s safe hands, and a solid defensive display provide positives – but the attack needs polish, and midfield sloppiness must be stamped out.

The Flying Eagles face Morocco next – a side with sharper tools and more tournament experience. If Nigeria are to live up to their billing as title contenders, Zubairu’s side must take the lessons from this narrow win and improve, fast.