AFCON 2025<\/a> Group C delivered plenty of talking points on matchday one, with Nigeria and Tunisia laying down early markers in the race for the knockout stages, Soccernet.ng reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Super Eagles edged past Tanzania 2-1 at the Complexe Sportif de F\u00e8s<\/a>, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia cruised to a convincing 3-1 win over Uganda at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.<\/p>\n With the opening round of fixtures concluded, Soccernet.ng<\/strong> has selected the AFCON 2025 Group C Best XI from matchday one, highlighting the standout performers across both encounters.<\/p>\n Get Our Sports News First \u2013\u00a0Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Despite conceding twice against Nigeria, Foba kept Tanzania in the contest for long spells. His sharp reflexes and command of the box prevented the scoreline from getting out of hand, especially during Nigeria\u2019s dominant first-half spell.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old sure has a strong future ahead of him as he made eight saves against the Super Eagles to keep the scoreline respectable.<\/p>\n The right-back was one of Nigeria’s decision performers, combining defensive discipline with energy going forward.<\/p>\n It wasn’t his best game in the Super Eagles jersey as he looked out of place sometimes, but he stood up well against Tanzania\u2019s wide threats.<\/p>\n Ajayi was immense at both ends of the pitch. He opened the scoring with a towering header and marshalled Nigeria\u2019s backline with authority, winning key aerial duels and making crucial interventions under pressure.<\/p>\n His impressive display saw him go home with the man of the match award, and he’ll be keen to replicate such displays as the tournament goes on.<\/p>\n The Fulham defender was calm and assured at the heart of Nigeria\u2019s defence. He read the game well, snuffed out Tanzania\u2019s attacking transitions, while starting the transition that led to the corner, which in turn led to Nigeria’s opener.<\/p>\n Abdi provided balance on the left side, contributing defensively while also offering an outlet in attack. His positioning helped Tunisia overload Uganda\u2019s right flank.<\/p>\n HIGHLIGHTS: 3-1<\/p>\n Tunisia with a brilliant opener. A dominant win over Uganda in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/UKzIBYJC6a<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n His brilliant shoulder drop and turn were impressive, but even the resulting cross to set up Elias Achouri’s firs goal was sublime.<\/p>\n Skhiri was the heartbeat of Tunisia\u2019s midfield. He dictated the tempo, recycled possession efficiently, and capped his performance with a well-taken header to open the scoring. A complete midfield display.<\/p>\n The Frankfurt man was simply impossible to wrestle off the ball.<\/p>\n The former Manchester United midfielder struggled for game time with Burnley in the English Premier League this season, recording just four starts.<\/p>\n However, his display against Uganda yesterday would’ve certainly put him on the radar of some top clubs. The 22-year-old created four chances, the most of any outfield player on the pitch last night. His work rate and ball progression were top-notch.<\/p>\n Operating from deep, the Fulham midfielder pulled the strings for Nigeria. He registered two assists, constantly broke lines with his passing, and controlled the rhythm of play whenever the Super Eagles pushed forward.<\/p>\n 2 \u2013 Against Tanzania in matchday one, Alex Iwobi became just the second Nigerian player on record (since 2010) to provide two assists in a single CAF Africa Cup of Nations game, after John Obi Mikel against Mali in February 2013 (2). Eagle. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/dttWrpl7qh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He could’ve found the back of the net, or even registered more than two assists if Nigeria were more clinical in front of goal last night.<\/p>\n M’Mombwa never stopped running and was rewarded with a consolation goal against the Super Eagles. His pressing and movement caused brief problems for Nigeria\u2019s defence and earned him a place in the XI.<\/p>\n Achouri was devastating on the wing. His two goals came from intelligent movement and ruthless finishing, underlining why he remains one of Tunisia\u2019s most dangerous attacking outlets.<\/p>\n Tunisia’s Elias Achouri puts on a show. A brace and a captivating performance earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> | @Football2Gether<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/9CEaZQUNeW<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/imago1070650012-1024x683.jpg\")
1. Zuberi Foba \u2013 Tanzania<\/h3>\n
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel \u2013 Nigeria<\/h3>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/G84KrbdWEAA6u5x-1024x683.jpeg\")
3. Semi Ajayi \u2013 Nigeria<\/h3>\n
4. Calvin Bassey \u2013 Nigeria<\/h3>\n
5. Ali Abdi \u2013 Tunisia<\/h3>\n
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![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/G84o9YjXAAAQsxG-768x1024.jpeg\")
6. Ellyes Skhiri \u2013 Tunisia<\/h3>\n
7. Hannibal Mejbri \u2013 Tunisia<\/h3>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/imago1070644692-791x1024.jpg\")
8. Alex Iwobi \u2013 Nigeria<\/h3>\n
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9. Charles M’Mombwa \u2013 Tanzania<\/h3>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/G84pA4wWMAEL0dw-768x1024.jpeg\")
10. Elias Achouri \u2013 Tunisia<\/h3>\n
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![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/imago1070650205-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/NS-Combined-XI-v2-Badges-Email-Soccernet2-1024x720.jpg\")