Ajayi picks up man of the match award promising that the team will learn to finish off opponents

SUPER Eagles centreback semi Ajayi has promised that the team will learn from its mistakes in yesterday's opening game against Tanzania and try to finish off opponents when it is in the ascendancy during the rest of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

Last night in the Moroccan city of Fez, the Eagles beat the Taifa Stars of Tanzania by just two goals to one, despite dominating the entire 90 minutes of play. Ajayi, 31, the towering centreback who plays for English Championship side Hill City, scored the opening goal in the 36th minute with a header and then went on to win the man-of-the-match performance.

Beyond the goal, Ajayi delivered a performance that highlighted his influence at both ends of the pitch, as defensively, he completed five tackles, made two interceptions and registered two clearances. He also blocked one shot, recorded four recoveries and was not dribbled past at any point in the contest.

Also, Ajayi dominated his duels, winning all three of his ground contests and all three aerial challenges, providing stability as Tanzania pushed for an equaliser, particularly in the closing stages when Nigeria were forced to defend deep. Speaking after collecting his gong, Ajayi that the team were already focused on correcting key areas.

Ajayi said: "It is an amazing feeling. It is always special to score for your country, especially in a game like this where it helped us get off to a really good start. I was very pleased.

“We are aware of the areas where we need to do better, particularly in seeing out games and killing teams off. We will be working very hard on the training pitch to put that right.”

On the night, in possession Ajayi completed 58 of his 64 passes for a 91% success rate, including 98% accuracy in his own half. He also completed eight of 13 passes in the opposition half, attempted eight long balls with four finding their target and finished the match with 73 touches, losing possession only eight times.

Tanzania briefly levelled the match early in the second half through Charles M’Mombwa but Nigeria responded swiftly when Ademola Lookman struck from outside the box within two minutes to restore their lead. From there, Ajayi marshalled the defence as the Taifa Stars sought a way back into the game.

Late pressure included a gilt-edged chance for Ibrahim Hamad, who fired over from close range but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points and begin their campaign with a victory. This performance reinforced the growing confidence within the Super Eagles camp as attention now turns to Saturday’s Group C clash with Tunisia at the same Fez Stadium, with Nigeria continuing their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.