Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia.
Auwal Ibrahim netted the decisive goal in the 38th minute.
Tunisia dominated the early exchanges, with winger Khalil Ayari posing persistent problems for the Nigerian defence.
Ayari came close to giving Tunisia the lead after just six minutes, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by captain Daniel Bameyi.
Omar Ben Ali then headed wide from the resulting corner.
The Flying Eagles gradually settled into the match, with leading striker Kparobo Arierhi going close twice in quick succession.
Nigeria broke the deadlock seven minutes before the interval with a well-worked goal from Ibrahim.
The playmaker was teed up by a superb pass from left-back Emmanuel Okoro and calmly slotted the ball past Thomas Zouaghi.
Tunisia pinned Nigeria back for much of the second half but were unable to find an equaliser.
The Flying Eagles were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute after substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled inside the box.
However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review by the referee.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side will face Morocco in their next fixture on Sunday.
