- Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2–1 in their AFCON 2025 Group C opener
- Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored for the Super Eagles
- Tanzania briefly levelled before Nigeria regained control
- Victory extends Nigeria’s unbeaten run against Tanzania to nine matches
The Super Eagles responded to recent setbacks in style on Monday night, securing a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
After missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria arrived in Morocco under heavy scrutiny, but Éric Chelle’s men showed early intent and control.
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Akor Adams tested Tanzanian goalkeeper Zuberi Foba within minutes, forcing a sharp save before crashing a close-range header against the crossbar. Tanzania briefly threatened through Simon Msuva, but his acrobatic effort was comfortably handled by Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria continued to dominate, with Victor Osimhen rounding the goalkeeper only to see his effort cleared off the line by Bakari Mwamnyeto. The pressure finally paid off from the resulting corner as Semi Ajayi glanced Alex Iwobi’s inswinging delivery into the far corner.
The Super Eagles pushed for more before halftime, but Foba kept Tanzania in the game with fine saves from Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze.
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Tanzania stunned Nigeria five minutes after the restart when Novatus Miroshi’s cross found Charles M’Mombwa, who volleyed home the equaliser from close range.
Nigeria’s response was swift. Ademola Lookman created space at the edge of the box and curled a superb strike into the far corner to restore the Super Eagles’ lead.
“We stayed calm and believed in our game,” Lookman said after the match. “Getting a win in the first game is very important.”
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close, while Tanzania nearly grabbed a late equaliser through Ibrahim Hamad, who fired over from close range.
In the end, the Super Eagles held firm to claim all three points, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record against Tanzania to nine matches.
The result gives Nigeria a confident start in Group C, as they look to build momentum in their AFCON 2025 journey.
