Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has highlighted a critical lapse in focus as the primary reason Nigeria failed to keep a clean sheet in their 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Despite the Super Eagles securing all three points in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener on Tuesday, the manner of the performance has sparked a detailed post-match post-mortem within the camp.
Coming off the bench at the Stade de Fès, Dele-Bashiru observed that while the team controlled much of the possession, their inability to maintain defensive discipline allowed the Taifa Stars a route back into the game. Charles M’Mombwa equalized for Tanzania in the 50th minute, temporarily canceling out Semi Ajayi’s first-half header, before Ademola Lookman quickly restored the lead.
“We played well against Tanzania. For the goal we conceded, it was a lapse of concentration, but we created a lot of chances today,” Dele-Bashiru stated. “I think in another game we finish those chances, and the game would have been dead earlier on.”
The midfielder’s comments echo the frustrations of head coach Éric Chelle, who noted that Nigeria’s failure to convert their numerous opportunities made the closing stages more anxious than necessary. Statistics from the match showed Nigeria registering 16 shots (9 on target), with several clear-cut chances—including an Akor Adams header that rattled the crossbar—going begging.
The Super Eagles do not have much time to dwell on their finishing, as a massive top-of-the-table clash against Tunisia looms this Saturday. The Carthage Eagles currently lead Group C after a more clinical 3-1 dismantling of Uganda.
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