By Aderonke Ojo
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for calm and cautious optimism following the Super Eagles 2–1 victory in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the result as a positive but early step in a demanding tournament.
In the match saw Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a good note, beating Tanzania 2-1 on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Nigeria dominated the opening exchanges and got the lead through Semi Ajayi assisted by Alex Iwobi .
Charles M’Mombwa gave Tanzania the equalizer having left unmarked inside the area .
Nigeria struck the winner two minutes after the equalizer, courtesy of Ademola Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.
Adeniyi said the opening ceremony and first game offered encouraging signs, but stressed that Nigeria must remain focused as the competition intensifies.
“This is just the opening match of a series of matches. It is a tournament.
“We are happy after the remarkable and glorious opening ceremony, and we are happy to have witnessed the first match,” he said.
While acknowledging the importance of the opening win, the Customs boss warned against complacency, noting that tougher challenges lie ahead in the group stage.
“Winning 2–1 is not a bad start, but we are hoping that in the remaining group matches, the team will tighten things up a little bit.
“ Our goal is to assure qualification into the next round,” he said.
Adeniyi praised the Super Eagles overall performance and fighting spirit, particularly their response after conceding an early goal, but admitted dissatisfaction with the manner of the concession.
“I am happy with what I have seen, but not too happy that we conceded such a cheeky goal so early.
“However, the response from the team showed character and resilience,” he said.
He also highlighted the quality of opposition Nigeria will face as the tournament progresses, pointing to the presence of host nations, defending champions, and World Cup-qualified teams using the competition as a key preparation platform.
“We have formidable opponents — the hosts, the defending champions, and teams already qualified for the World Cup.
“ AFCON, especially when it comes close to the World Cup, is never easy, and this will not be an exception,” he said.
According to him, the standard of play seen in the opening match and other fixtures underlines how competitive the tournament will be.
“From the standard of play we saw yesterday and in other matches, this competition is going to be very tough,” he said. “We can’t afford to stick our necks out too much at this stage.”
He urged Nigerians to allow the team to focus on navigating the group stage before turning attention to the knockout rounds.
“Let us start with the group matches,” he said. “Then we will see who comes our way in the second round, and of course in the quarterfinals and semifinals.”
The Super Eagles will return to action in their remaining group matches as they continue their quest for continental glory.
Others Super Eagles matches in group C to face Tunisia, on 27/12/2025, (9PM). And Uganda’s, on 30/12/2025, (5PM).