AFCON 2025: We knew — Semi Ajayi reveals what they prepared for ahead of Nigeria vs Tanzania

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi said that they knew Tanzania would prove a tough opposition, and they prepared for it after beating the Taifa Stars 2–1 in their AFCON 2025 opening match. 

Ajayi scored Nigeria's opening goal in the stiffly contested clash, as Eric Chelle's side needed a piece of individual brilliance to beat their opponents on the day. 

Tanzania are the lowest-ranked team in Group C; hence, many expected Nigeria to blow past them. However, it was a tough clash for the Super Eagles in which they nearly failed to win. 

After the game, Ajayi was asked if they expected the fixture to be as complicated as they found it, and he answered in the affirmative, lauding Tanzania’s performance. 

“Yes, definitely,” he said about expecting the match to be difficult. “They would not be here if they were not good, so we understood that it was going to be a tough challenge, and we needed to be at our best. They put up a good fight, but we came out victorious. “