Nigeria had a number of standout performers as Super Eagles secured a morale-boosting victory on Tuesday
Former Juventus midfielder and ex-Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has singled out Akor Adams as Nigeria’s most impressive performer in their 2–1 victory over Tanzania, Soccernet.ng reports.
Oliseh made his choice while overlooking high-profile contributions from Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-earned Group C win on Tuesday, overcoming a stubborn Tanzanian side in Fès, Morocco. Goals from Ajayi and Lookman secured maximum points, but Oliseh believes Adams’ all-round performance deserved special recognition.
Ajayi was officially named Man of the Match after opening the scoring with a first-half header and producing a commanding defensive display.
Lookman struck the decisive goal shortly after Tanzania’s equaliser, while Iwobi delivered both assists, becoming the first Nigerian since John Obi Mikel in 2010 to register two assists in a single AFCON match.
Even Victor Osimhen had moments of threat, finding the net before VAR ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.
Yet Oliseh, speaking while on commentary duty for AfroSports’ AFCON 2025 coverage, was most impressed by Adams’ impact, particularly away from the scoresheet.
“I’m Impressed with Akor Adams’ performance against Tanzania,” Oliseh noted.
“He was all over the pitch trying to make things happen for the Super Eagles.”
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Nigeria: Adams’ movement, pressure and presence catch the eye
In what was his first AFCON appearance, Adams delivered a performance built on intensity, movement and tactical intelligence. He struck the crossbar with a header in the first half, brilliantly assisted Osimhen’s disallowed goal, and frequently drifted wide to stretch Tanzania’s defensive shape.
Operating largely on the right flank, the Sevilla striker repeatedly beat his marker, created space for others and offered Nigeria an alternative attacking route, qualities Oliseh clearly valued.
Nigeria had taken the lead through Ajayi before Charles M’Mombwa equalised five minutes after the break. Tanzania’s celebrations were brief, however, as Lookman fired home from outside the box just two minutes later to restore Nigeria’s advantage.
Despite the win, Adams has been quick to stress that improvement is required as the tournament progresses, beginning with Nigeria’s next Group C fixture against Tunisia.
“The most important thing in a tournament is to win, no matter the level of performance,” Adams said. “But at the same time, we know we have to get better.”
The striker highlighted the fine margins at AFCON and the need for constant adaptation.
“You cannot play the same way every match and expect the same results. You have to keep improving,” he added.
Adams also acknowledged that Nigeria could have made the game more comfortable with better finishing.
“We had chances to score more. If we had taken them, the game would have been more comfortable,” he said.
With Tunisia up next, Adams expects a tougher test.
“AFCON games can change very fast. You must stay focused from start to finish,” Adams explained.
“The next game will be harder, and we have to be ready,” he concluded.
Nigeria may have started with three points, but as Oliseh and Adams both suggest, the Super Eagles know higher levels will be required to go deep in Morocco.
