The Flying Eagles today opening their campaign at the 2025 U20 AFCON on a winning note after they pipped hard-fighting Tunisia 1-0 in a Group B match in Cairo.
Akwa United youngster Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ proved to be the match winner for Nigeria when his 38th minute sweet finish proved the difference two very competitive teams.
He was set up by the enterprising Sporting Lagos left back Odinaka Okoro to finish off a great team play.
Tunisia created the better chances in the first half and chased hard for an equaliser after the break.
Nigeria thought they had a big chance to double their lead in the 70th minute when substitute Rickson was fouled inside the box, but a VAR recheck got the referee to rescind his decision to award them a penalty.
Captain Daniel Bameyi was again the pillar in the defence even though he was nooked in the 82nd minute for colliding with a Tunisia forward near his goal area.
Three minutes from full time, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt pulled off the biggest save of the day when he smothered a low drive from inside the box as the North Africans pushed for a leveler.
The Junior Eagles did well to manage the game and earn maximum points on their opening day of action.
They will face another North African challenge in the shape of Morocco in three days, before they round up their first round group against Kenya.