Opposition fans don’t intimidate us – Onyeka News

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Opposition fans don’t intimidate us – Onyeka

By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 29, 2025

Frank Onyeka insisted Nigeria remained unfazed by the passionate Tunisian support as the Super Eagles secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in Fez on Saturday night to book their place in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Brentford midfielder underlined Nigeria’s focus on their game plan rather than the opposition’s crowd, adding that the team’s intensity and structure had been key to the win while speaking in the mixed zone to Ademola Victor after the match.

“No, the fans don’t shake us. It’s always the same, and every time I come into the team, I want to give what I can to help the team offensively and defensively. Nothing changed from the last time,” Onyeka said.

He also revealed the motivation behind Nigeria’s performance against Tunisia, referencing past setbacks when the Carthage Eagles dumped Nigeria out of the 2021 AFCON in the round of 16 in Cameroon.

“Yes, we wanted to give back for what happened in Cameroon, so we had to come out really strong. We are happy that we got the three points.”

Onyeka described how Nigeria’s pressing game had disrupted Tunisia throughout, saying, “I think our game plan worked really well. We pressed them high and didn’t give them any chance to play. That’s what made the difference.”

He reflected on the upcoming clash with Uganda, stating that the Super Eagles would maintain the same approach.

“We’re still going to play the same way we played today. We’re not going to drop our intensity. We’ll take every game one at a time,” he said.

Despite Nigeria conceding two late goals, Onyeka was adamant the team deserved the victory. “We were 3-0 ahead and allowed two easy goals, which is not good. It’s something we need to work on in training so we can improve,” he said.

Onyeka was introduced in the Super Eagles’ midfield for the first time this tournament against Tunisia, and he completed 46 touches with a 93 per cent passing accuracy, won four interceptions, made one successful tackle, and contributed defensively to maintain control in midfield. His disciplined performance ensured Nigeria’s rhythm remained intact, allowing Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen to dominate the attacking phases.

Nigeria appeared in complete control after racing into a 3-0 lead, with Lookman providing two assists and scoring a goal. Osimhen opened the scoring with a powerful header just before halftime, before Ndidi doubled the advantage from a Lookman corner early in the second half. Lookman later added a fine left-footed strike following a deft cut-back from Osimhen.

Tunisia’s response came late, with Montassar Talbi heading in a free-kick from Hannibal Mejbri in the 75th minute, followed by Ali Abdi converting a penalty after VAR adjudged a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The win ensured Nigeria topped Group C with six points, setting up a final group game against Uganda in Fez on Tuesday.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 29, 2025