Victory over Tanzania exposes Super Eagles weaknesses - Okoku

Victory over Tanzania exposes Super Eagles weaknesses - Okoku

By Vincent Akinbami

Former Nigeria international, Paul Okoku has described Super Eagles' 2–1 win over Tanzania as a victory with lessons to learn.
He said the victory delivered the three points needed but the match showed the team's wastefulness, overconfidence, systemic challenges and exposed what Nigeria must fix to truly contend.
"For many Nigerians, AFCON 2025 carries emotional weight beyond silverware. After missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, this tournament represents atonement, reassurance, and pride. Winning AFCON would not erase the pain — but it would heal it.
"Nigeria 2–1 victory over the Tanzania Taifa Stars was a result that delivers three points, confidence, and clarity all at once," he said.
Nigeria dominated large portions of the match, moved the ball well from defense into midfield, and asserted territorial control. The hunger was visible. The intent was encouraging. Yet the game also exposed a familiar concern — wastefulness in the final third.
Paul okoku said dominance without precision is noise, not victory.
"Possession alone does not win tournaments. Goals do. Trophies are lifted by teams that score goals and utilize every scoring opportunity, not those that merely control the ball".
"Nigeria created moments that should have produced a wider margin. Instead, inaccurate passes around the box, missed shots on target, and delayed decisions kept Tanzania alive deep into the game. Against top opposition, those moments decide fate.This is where perspective matters."
According to Okoku, the first game of a major tournament is always deceptive.
He talked about finding rhythm, balance, perfection, chemistry, that all these definitely affected Nigerians expectations in our first match against Tanzania.
"Every team at AFCON earned its place. Tanzania did not arrive by invitation; they qualified through the same competitive gauntlet as everyone else, including Nigeria. In modern football, there are no walkovers — only consequences for disrespect.
Looking ahead, the challenge intensifies and the margin for error narrows.
"Nigeria faces Tunisia national football team December 27, 2025 — a disciplined, experienced side with a long and complicated history against Nigeria. This match will not tolerate wastefulness or complacency.
The final group game comes against Uganda national football team on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.*
"For Nigeria, the path forward is clear: score goals, respect opponents, and convert dominance into decisive outcomes."
Okoku agreed that three points have been secured but warned that signs have revealed some weaknesses that might affect the team against Tunisia.