Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the Stade de Fes in Morocco on Monday.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured all three points for the Super Eagles in their opening Group C fixture.
Nigeria started the match on the front foot, with Victor Osimhen and Lookman troubling the Tanzanian defence early on. The Super Eagles’ first clear opportunity came in the 11th minute when Samuel Chukwueze’s corner found Akor Adams, but his effort was saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Tanzania responded with a series of long-range attempts, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained composed to keep his side level.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Alex Iwobi delivered a precise lofted cross that Ajayi met with a powerful header to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead. The Super Eagles went into the break ahead despite Tanzania showing moments of attacking promise, aided by the wet playing conditions.
The second half began at a frantic pace. Tanzania equalised in the 50th minute through M’Mombwa, who calmly guided a lofted pass into the bottom-left corner.
Nigeria, however, responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Lookman picked up the ball outside the penalty area and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Masudi to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Both teams made changes as the match wore on, with Nigeria introducing Moses Simon, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Paul Onuachu, while Tanzania brought on fresh attackers in search of another equaliser.
Tanzania came close late in the game when John narrowly missed the target with a low shot in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to see out the victory.
The win gives the Super Eagles a positive start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will aim to recover in their next match.
Post comments (0)