By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on a winning note, edging past Tunisia 1-0 at the June 30 Stadium, Cairo on Thursday.
Both teams battled to take control of the game early on with Tunisia coming close twice through Khalil Ayari and Omar Ben Ali.
The Flying Eagles grew into the game with top striker Kparobo Arierhi coming close within one minute.
Nigeria took the lead seven minutes before the break through a well worked goal scored by Auwal Ibrahim.
Ibrahim was set up by a superb pass from left-back Emmanuel Okoro, and slotted the ball expertly past Thomas Zouaghi.
The Tunisian pinned Nigeria back for majority of the second half but were unable to find the equaliser.
The Flying Eagles were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute when substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled inside the box.
The penalty was however overturned after the centre referee consulted VAR.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side will confront Morocco in their next game on Sunday.
