Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their campaign at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia on Friday.
Auwal Ibrahim scored the match-winning goal in the 38th minute, capping off a dominant first-half performance by the seven-time African champions.
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Tunisia started brightly, with winger Khalil Ayari consistently troubling the Nigerian defence.
However, the Flying Eagles gradually settled into the contest and showed greater attacking intent as the half wore on. Ibrahim’s strike rewarded Nigeria’s growing dominance before the break.
The Flying Eagles appeared to have won a penalty in the 72nd minute when Mendos Richson was brought down in the box, but the Video Assistant Referee overturned the decision after a review.
Late drama saw goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt come to Nigeria’s rescue in the 87th minute, producing a crucial save to deny Tunisian forward Ben Ali from close range.
The win gives Nigeria a strong start in Group B and continues their impressive record against Tunisia at the U20 level, this being their fourth victory in six meetings since 1981.
The Flying Eagles now shift their focus to a highly anticipated clash against Morocco’s Lion Cubs on Sunday evening at the same venue.
In their previous encounters, Nigeria thrashed Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place match of the 2023 edition held in Egypt. They also secured a 2-1 win in Lagos in the 1985 final after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Tunis.
