Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has cautioned Nigeria to raise their performance level ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Group C encounter against Tunisia, admitting the team was fortunate to win their opening match.
Nigeria began their campaign with a narrow 2–1 victory over Tanzania, but Yakubu believes the Super Eagles were far from convincing and could have dropped points.
He noted that Tanzania created clear chances and punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
“When you look at the Tanzania game, they had chances to kill the game, and we were lucky to get away with it,” Yakubu said.
The former Everton forward warned that Tunisia will present a much sterner test.
The Carthage Eagles sit top of Group C after an impressive 3–1 win over Uganda, giving them a superior goal difference over Nigeria.
“Against Tunisia, it’s not going to be easy. They are organised, disciplined, and very experienced at this level,” Yakubu added.
“It’s going to be a tough one.”
With both teams on three points, Saturday night’s clash could determine group supremacy and almost guarantee qualification for the knockout stages.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM Nigerian time.
Yakubu’s warning echoes similar advice from former Super Eagles defender Godfrey Obaobona, who has urged the team to rely on teamwork rather than individual brilliance as they prepare for one of their toughest tests of the group stage.
