Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a narrow 2–1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night in Fes, Morocco, with Ademola Lookman’s second-half strike proving the difference.
The victory handed Nigeria maximum points in their opening Group C fixture and provided a timely lift following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For much of the contest, Nigeria controlled possession, but they were pushed hard by a disciplined Tanzanian side that stayed compact and competitive until the end.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute as Semi Ajayi rose to meet Alex Iwobi’s delivery, steering a well-timed header into the net after sustained attacking pressure from the Super Eagles.
Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after, but Victor Osimhen’s close-range finish was chalked off following a VAR review that confirmed an offside decision.
Tanzania drew level seven minutes into the second half when Charles M’Mombwa finished first time from close range, capping off a swift move that caught Nigeria’s defence off guard.
The equaliser unsettled Nigeria briefly, but they responded almost at once through Lookman. After receiving a pass from Iwobi just outside the box, the Atalanta winger fired a low drive beyond Zuberi Foba to reclaim the lead.
Osimhen, who started alongside Akor Adams in attack, remained a constant threat and fashioned several chances, but Tanzania’s organised defence and the sharp reflexes of Foba kept the scoreline intact.
In the latter stages, head coach Eric Chelle turned to Paul Onuachu as he looked to shore up Nigeria’s advantage and see out the contest.
Tanzania, captained by Mbwana Samatta, remained dangerous on the break and nearly snatched a late equaliser, only for Ibrahim Hamad to squander a clear opportunity deep into stoppage time.
Before kickoff, interim coach Miguel Gamondi had played down his side’s chances, saying, “I’m very realistic about the possibilities. Maybe Nigeria have 99 per cent, but you never know. Beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us, especially at the start of the tournament.”
In the end, Nigeria stood firm to secure an important opening win, laying down an encouraging marker as they look to build momentum in Morocco.
