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Ibrahim Auwal was the difference-maker as Nigeria edged Tunisia 1-0 in their opening Group D fixture at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.
The seven-time champions began their campaign at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo as favourites, and while Tunisia made it a contest, the Flying Eagles ultimately delivered the result expected of them.
Despite Tunisia’s unconventional qualification – gaining a late entry into the tournament – the North Africans were far from pushovers. They pushed Nigeria all the way and showed little rust, giving Aliyu Zubairu’s side a stern opening test.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute after a long searching ball from defence found Kparobo Arierhi down the flank. The centre-forward produced a clever low pass into the path of the onrushing Auwal, whose excellent first touch took him past two static defenders. The midfielder kept his composure to calmly slot the ball past the Tunisian goalkeeper and give Nigeria a vital lead.
Tunisia, who have not beaten Nigeria at this tournament in 44 years, responded with attacking intent, but Nigeria’s defence stood firm.
The Flying Eagles thought they had a chance to double their lead midway through the second half when they were awarded a penalty, only for VAR to overrule the decision.
Both sides had opportunities to add to the scoreline, with Nigeria creating several dangerous moments on the counter. However, their finishing let them down, and they were unable to capitalise.
Tunisia, too, were wasteful, and Nigeria had goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt to thank for two outstanding point-blank saves that preserved their lead.
It wasn’t the dominant 4-0 win Nigeria secured against Tunisia in the last edition of the tournament, but Zubairu’s boys will be satisfied with the three points and a clean sheet to start their campaign.
Next up for Nigeria is a clash with Morocco on May 4 – a win would guarantee progression to the knockout stage.
Yunisia will look to bounce back when they face Kenya. Later tonight, Morocco and Kenya round off the day’s Group B action.
