‘Three Points Are the Priority’ — Ndidi Speaks After Super Eagles’ AFCON Victory Over Tanzania
By Tiwatayo Oladejo
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has stressed that securing maximum points was the most important takeaway after Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–1 win against Tanzania.
Reacting after the Group C encounter at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday, Ndidi explained that opening matches at major tournaments often come with unique challenges, as teams work to find their rhythm, sharpness, and mental balance.
“The first game of any competition is usually tricky,” Ndidi said. “You are still settling in, building momentum and understanding the tempo. But it was a good game, and what matters most is that we got the three points.”
Nigeria controlled large portions of the first half, dictating play and displaying the attacking intent expected of the three-time African champions. However, the encounter became more demanding after the interval, with the Taifa Stars increasing pressure and disrupting the Super Eagles’ flow.
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Ndidi admitted the team struggled to maintain the same level after the break but praised their response and resilience.
“The first half was very good, the intensity was there,” the Besiktas midfielder noted. “In the second half, maybe fatigue set in a little and things didn’t go as smoothly. Still, the team responded well, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Despite Nigeria extending their run without a clean sheet to 13 matches, the former Leicester City midfielder downplayed concerns about the team’s defensive stability, insisting there was no reason for alarm at this stage of the tournament.
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Asked about Nigeria’s chances of equalling or surpassing their runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, Ndidi remained confident, expressing belief in the quality, depth, and collective spirit of the current squad.
The victory places the Super Eagles in a strong position as they continue their pursuit of a fourth continental title