It was a rollercoaster of emotions at the Complexe Sportif de Fès as the Super Eagles of Nigeria sealed a 2-1 win over Tanzania, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle's men got off to a good start against Miguel Gamondi's side, and finally got the breakthrough in the 36th minute after Semi Ajayi headed home from Alex Iwobi's cross.
Tanzania came into the second half with guns blazing in the second half, as Charles M'Mombwa levelled the scores.
It didn't take long before Nigeria took the lead again. Two minutes later, Iwobi turned provider again, setting Lookman up for his fourth AFCON goal.
Takeaways from Nigeria's 2-1 win against Tanzania
1. Super Eagles win, but their display is still not convincing
Although Nigeria secured three points in their opening group game, there were several nervy moments in a game where they should've dominated from start to finish.
Only 50% of Nigeria's attempted shots hit the target, signifying a bad day in front of goal, while the inability to stamp themselves on games allowed Tanzania to grow in confidence.
2. Bad day for Osimhen in front of the goal
In the build-up to the game, the Galatasaray striker (who's six goals behind Rashidi Yekini's all-time goalscorer record), admitted he's not under any pressure to equal or break the record.
However, his display on the pitch suggested otherwise. The 26-year-old was jittery in front of goal. He was gifted chances he would usually tuck away with ease, but he scuffed them.
Additionally, he kept calling for the ball from offside positions and then got livid when his teammates chose not to follow his request.
3. Chelle's 4-4-2 diamond is not working
Since the Franco-Malian manager took over as Nigeria's head coach, he's made it clear that he prefers to play through a narrow midfield.
While he's entitled to employ any philosophy he sees fit as the coach of the national team, Chelle's system is simply not getting the best out of these players.
Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze are at their best when played on the flank, but their efficiency has been reduced because they've had to play centrally.
Additionally, Chelle's system leaves the right flank empty, which in turn increases the load on the right back to continually attack and defend.
Thankfully, Nigeria secured a win tonight, but if they play against a team with higher intensity, they'll be easily swept aside.
4. Semi Ajayi steps up in Ekong's absence
William Troost-Ekong scored three goals in Nigeria's AFCON 2023 campaign in Ivory Coast. Eventually, he ended up with the tournament's MVP award as his crucial goals helped the Super Eagles win the silver medal.
With the former Watford defender bowing out, Ajayi showed glimpses of emulating the ex-Super Eagles captain against Tanzania tonight.
The Hull City centre-back rose highest to score the game's opener, and kept the opposition at bay aerially through the rest of the game, putting in a performance Ekong would be proud of.
5. Alex Iwobi at his creative best with two assists
Many were shocked that the Fulham man didn't walk away from the Complexe Sportif de Fès with the man of the match award in his hands.
While he came close to finding he back of the net himself, Iwobi's creativity was evident in both of Nigeria's goals despite playing from deep.
The Nigerian fans will be hoping to see more of the same from the Ex-Arsenal man through the rest of the tournament.
