By Ben Efe 23.12.2025
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi said it was a delight to watch his header sail into the net to calm Nigerian nerves in their opening match of the group C Africa Cup of Nations tie against Taifa Stars of Tanzania Tuesday in Fez Morocco.
With top striker Victor Osimhen tightly marked and given little room to express himself by the Tanzanian defence, Ajayi rose to the occasion joining the attacking and heading in an inviting cross from Alex Iwobi. It was his second goal for the Super Eagles in 46 international appearances.
It was a goal that brought out the Tanzanians from their shell and opening up the game for an intense second half. Ademola Lookman scored the second goal.
Speaking after collecting the man of the match award Ajayi said: We are a team we don’t need to get goals only from the attackers and it’s pleasing to contribute to the success of the team.
“It’s an amazing feeling to score for your country and in such a game it gives us the possibility of getting a good start.
“There are a lot of positives to take from the game and some things to fix and we will work on that to kill games going forward”
He added that the Super Eagles need to improve on their outing at the 2023 final.
“We had an amazing tournament in Cote D’Ivoire, and we are using that as a standard.”