The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C has commenced with intriguing results, largely aligning with expectations but revealing enough fresh details to captivate fans. The heavyweights successfully avoided early upsets, with Nigeria securing a professional 2-1 victory over a resilient Tanzania side, and Tunisia authoritatively defeating Uganda with a 3-1 scoreline. These opening fixtures highlighted a compelling blend of established continental stars and a new generation of players fiercely competing for recognition.

In Nigeria's challenging encounter against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Semi Ajayi rose highest to score Nigeria's opener, followed by Ademola Lookman's superb strike from the edge of the area that settled nerves. Tanzania managed a consolation goal through Charles M'Mombwa. Meanwhile, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, Tunisia dominated Uganda. Eintracht Frankfurt's Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring with a brilliant header within ten minutes, and Elias Achouri sealed the victory with a double, showcasing remarkable efficiency with two goals from two shots. Denis Omedi scored a well-taken consolation goal for Uganda in the dying minutes of the match.

Several players delivered exceptional displays, shaping the early narrative of Group C. For Nigeria, **Victor Osimhen** remains the undisputed standard-bearer. Africa’s most valuable and feared centre-forward, he arrived at AFCON 2025 in formidable form from Galatasaray. Despite being constantly dangerous and stretching Tanzania's defense, his only clear finish was disallowed by VAR, denying him an opening-day goal but not diminishing his influence. He is widely tipped to be among the tournament's top scorers.

**Ademola Lookman**, the reigning 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year, served as Nigeria's creative blade. The Atalanta forward combined intelligence, balance, and explosive finishing, proving almost impossible to contain. His crucial goal against Tanzania underscored his knack for delivering in decisive moments, and he is expected to be a productive force, especially if opponents focus on Osimhen. **Semi Ajayi**, the Hull City defender, was not only instrumental in scoring Nigeria's opener but also excelled defensively, winning aerial duels. His man-of-the-match performance suggests he is poised to follow in the footsteps of former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong.

For Tunisia, **Elias Achouri** wasted no time in establishing himself as a key figure, stealing the show against Uganda with his two goals. The FC Copenhagen forward demonstrated sharpness, instinct, and a deadly presence in the box, blending maturity with ambition. His ability to appear where defenders least expect him makes him a constant threat. Midfielder **Ellyes Skhiri** from Eintracht Frankfurt was tidy in possession, orchestrating play from midfield, and his brilliant opening header against Uganda highlighted his offensive capabilities. He maintained an 89% pass accuracy and was never dispossessed, making him a player to watch.

Nigeria's **Alex Iwobi**, playing from deep, was at his creative best against Tanzania, setting up both Ajayi and Lookman's goals and creating several other chances. His performance shed new light on his reputation within the Super Eagles. For Tanzania, captain **Mbwana Samatta** serves as the emotional and tactical engine. With Le Havre and Premier League experience, Samatta's game is built on intelligence; he presses relentlessly, links play selflessly, and arrives late into dangerous areas, dominating crucial moments even when possession is limited. **Simon Msuva**, direct, fearless, and quick, also holds significant importance for Tanzania. Having earned his 100th cap against Nigeria, he is on the verge of becoming Tanzania’s all-time top scorer, adding immense motivation to his aggressive play.

Uganda's **Denis Omedi** seized his moment against Tunisia, scoring a well-taken consolation goal. The APR forward reminded observers of his unique ability to produce spectacular finishes, having previously earned nominations for both the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award and CAF Goal of the Year for his rabona strike against KCCA. Omedi thrives on confidence and imagination, needing only a moment of space to punish opponents.