“You have Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi” – Ex-Everton star on what Super Eagles must fix despite opening victory

Former Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has weighed in on Nigeria’s opening-night victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign got off to a solid start in Fes as the Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Hull City defender Semi Ajayi headed home a perfectly lofted cross from Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Tanzania’s Charles M’mombwa equalised briefly, only for Ademola Lookman to restore Nigeria’s lead just two minutes later, securing all three points for the Super Eagles.

Ex-Everton on Super Eagles' midfield qualities

Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni praised the team’s midfield display and specifically noted the progress from previous concerns about creativity.

“I can say today is much better,” Yakubu told Soccernet.ng. “You have [Samuel] Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi… they try to create chances and they create some chances for [Victor] Osimhen. He was just unlucky today. But we still need creative midfield, but the midfield today with Chukwueze, I think he did very well.”

Watch former Super Eagles star Yakubu Aiyegbeni's comment here:

 

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Earlier, the former Nigerian international discussed Nigeria's lack of inventive midfielders capable of linking play to create goalscoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, the likes of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze—playing deeper roles—seem to be starting to fill the creative void in midfield.

Nigeria assert dominance

Samuel Chukwueze came close to scoring several times, while Victor Osimhen worked tirelessly as the focal point of Nigeria’s attack.

Despite missing chances, the Galatasaray striker remained a constant threat, with former Everton star Yakubu insisting he worked so hard for the team and was simply unlucky not to score.

Semi Ajayi capped an impressive display by earning Man of the Match honours, with Ademola Lookman sealing victory for Nigeria.

With Tunisia awaiting on December 27, the Super Eagles have sent an early warning to their group rivals