The Price Of Control: Nigeria Learn AFCON’s Old Lesson Again

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

NIGERIA’S opener was framed as a coronation of intent. Instead, it became a negotiation of vulnerability. The Super Eagles dominated the ball but failed to dominate the psychology of the match. Against a Tanzania side comfortable in reactive mid-blocks, Nigeria still produced low-value shots and high-stress moments. Possession reached 60%+ in phases, but penetration came in bursts, not builds.

The diamond shape again exposed its paradox: it creates numerical superiority where Nigeria do not need it, and numerical inferiority where Nigeria rely on instinct. Lookman and Chukwueze were compressed into traffic, while the right channel remained structurally unmanned. Nigeria defended counter-moments by recovering space rather than protecting it. The continent’s top teams defend transitions by design, not retreat.

Victor Osimhen played like a man trying to prove something he already owns. He spoke about freedom from pressure, but his runs spoke of urgency. Nigeria funnelled him service even when decoy movement would have created better outcomes. Tanzania doubled, wrestled, and anticipated him. Nigeria did not disguise him. Nigeria exposed him.

Semi Ajayi, however, delivered disguise in the most literal sense—he concealed Ekong’s absence by becoming Ekong’s successor. His header was more than a goal; it was a narrative response. Leadership does not always shout. Sometimes it scores.

Iwobi conducted the match like a man playing chess in a boxing ring. His corners carried purpose, his through-balls carried disguise, his passing rhythm carried Nigeria forward even when the structure lagged behind him. Nigeria’s future in Morocco may be measured by goals, but their path will be drawn by intelligence.

Nigeria did not convince. Nigeria compensated. And compensation is the phase between chaos and clarity. Tunisia next. Uganda after. Those games will not be won by surviving shape, but by evolving it.