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Nigeria Defeats Tunisia 1-0 in U-20 AFCON Opener

Samuel AkpanMay 1, 20251 Mins read975

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles got their 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia.

Auwal Ibrahim scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a superb pass from left-back Emmanuel Okoro to calmly slot the ball past Tunisian goalkeeper Thomas Zouaghi.

Tunisia dominated the early exchanges, with winger Khalil Ayari posing persistent problems for the Nigerian defense.

Ayari came close to giving Tunisia the lead after just six minutes, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by captain Daniel Bameyi.

Despite Tunisia’s pressure, the Flying Eagles gradually settled into the match, with leading striker Kparobo Arierhi going close twice in quick succession.

The Flying Eagles’ defence held strong throughout the game, with Bameyi marshaling his teammates and making crucial interventions.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt also made a brilliant save in the 87th minute to deny Anis Doubal from close range.

Tunisia pinned Nigeria back for much of the second half but were unable to find an equalizer.

A penalty appeal was waved off following a VAR review in the 71st minute after substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled inside the box.

Persecondnews reports that the Flying Eagles will now face Morocco in their next fixture on Sunday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, seeking to maintain their winning form and take a big step toward qualification for the knockout stages.