December 29, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with two wins from two matches, offering their supporters a measure of relief after failing to reach the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2-1 and Tunisia 3-2 to top Group C with six point. Yet, the scorelines mask a dangerous problem: Nigeria have thrown away comfortable leads in both games, conceding three goals through poor concentration and uncertain goalkeeping that better teams will punish without mercy.
The opening match against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on 23 December set the pattern. Nigeria controlled possession and used a high press to force mistakes deep in opposition territory. Defender Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria in front after 36 minutes from an Alex Iwobi cross, the first of a couple of set pieces that have paid off for the team so far. Tanzania equalised early in the second half through Charles M’Mombwa, but Ademola Lookman restored the lead two minutes later with a curled shot from distance from another Iwobi supply. Nigeria created chances throughout and should have won more comfortably. The equaliser came from slack defending in transition, with gaps appearing between the back line and midfield that M’Mombwa exploited.
The second fixture against Tunisia on 27 December tested Nigeria more severely. Tunisia had demolished Uganda 3-1 in their opener and brought physical intensity and tactical discipline. Nigeria matched them early, racing into a three-goal lead that appeared to finish the contest. Victor Osimhen headed home from a Lookman cross in the 44th minute, captain Wilfred Ndidi scored his first international goal from another Lookman corner early in the second half, and Lookman himself finished calmly after combining with Osimhen to make it 3-0 in the 67th minute. For 70 minutes Nigeria looked unstoppable, moving the ball quickly from midfield into attack and disrupting Tunisia’s attempts to build from the back.
Then Nigeria’s defence fell apart. Tunisia pulled one back through Montassar Talbi’s header in the 74th minute, a goal that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali failed to deal with properly. Ali Abdi converted a penalty three minutes from time to make it 3-2 and Nigeria spent the final minutes clinging on. The team lost shape once they thought the game was won, defensive positions became confused, and Tunisia found space that should never have existed. This pattern of switching off with a big lead cannot continue in the knockout rounds, where one mistake is all it takes to bring the team’s tournament to an abrupt end.
Chelle’s coaching staff have built an effective attacking system. The decision to centre the team around Lookman and Osimhen has worked well, with Lookman involved in multiple goals across both matches. His movement on the left wing, creativity and finishing at crucial moments have made him essential. Osimhen’s strength in the air and constant threat give Nigeria a reliable focal point, while Ndidi provides defensive cover and leadership in midfield in partnership with Iwobi. The high press has forced errors from both opponents, and the focus on set pieces has produced three headed goals. These elements give Nigeria the tools to challenge Morocco, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire or any other strong side in the competition.
Still, attack alone will not win the tournament. Nigeria has conceded three goals in two games, often from set pieces or lapses in concentration. Nwabali’s performance against Tunisia raised serious concerns. He looked uncertain dealing with crosses and could not stop Talbi’s header, which a more authoritative goalkeeper would have claimed or punched clear. His struggles suggest the coaching staff should consider changes in that position. While Calvin Bassey has been in inspired form so far, the team’s full-backs have been caught too far forward at times, leaving space for counter-attacks. When Nigeria built big leads, the intensity of their pressing dropped and gaps appeared in midfield that Tunisia exploited late on. Better game management is needed, whether through holding possession more carefully when ahead, making earlier substitutions to maintain energy, or simply communicating better across the defensive line.
The defensive weaknesses matter more because of the opposition Nigeria will face in the knockout stages. Eliminating rounds demand full concentration for 90 minutes, tight defensive shape under pressure, and a goalkeeper who controls his penalty area with authority. Giving away two goals in the final 15 minutes against Tunisia is a clear warning. If Nigeria want to reach the final and win the trophy that would ease the pain of missing the World Cup, they must fix these problems quickly. The technical staff have one final group match against Uganda to test defensive combinations or strengthen their current system. Resting key players like Osimhen and Lookman while targeting a clean sheet would provide useful preparation for tougher matches ahead.
Qualifying early with six points from six is a real achievement and gives Nigerian supporters reason for optimism after the World Cup qualifying disaster. The players have responded to that disappointment with energy, playing better football and getting results. The squad’s commitment, combined with Chelle’s strategy, has put Nigeria in a strong position. The route to a fourth title, the first since 2013, is open. However, talent and attacking quality will not be enough. Discipline, defensive organisation and mental strength will decide whether this promising start ends in glory or familiar disappointment.
The standout performers have carried Nigeria through the group stage. Lookman has been the most influential player, creating and scoring goals in both matches. Osimhen continues to trouble defenders with his movement and aerial ability. Ndidi anchors the midfield and scored a historic first international goal against Tunisia. Iwobi is exhibiting a matured sense of responsibility and Bassey is reminding older fans of the good old days of Pastor Taribo West.
The final group game against Uganda on December 30 offers Nigeria a chance to address their weaknesses before the knockout rounds begin. Even a draw will guarantee first place in the group. Chelle must decide whether to rest his star players or maintain momentum. Whatever the selection, the priority must be defensive improvement and tactical discipline until the final whistle. Nigeria needs to prove they can keep a clean sheet and manage a game properly when ahead. The attacking weapons are already in place. Whether Nigeria can build the defensive foundations in time will determine how far this campaign goes.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
