Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey on a positive note with a determined 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, a result that immediately puts the Super Eagles in control of Group C.
It was a contest that tested Nigeria’s patience and resilience, but goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman ultimately made the difference, as the Eagles overcame stiff resistance from a well-organised Tanzanian side to claim all three points.
Nigeria assert early control
From the opening whistle, Nigeria showed clear attacking intent, dominating possession and pushing Tanzania deep into their own half. The Super Eagles moved the ball with confidence, probing for openings while Tanzania relied on compact defending and quick clearances.
Akor Adams nearly gave Nigeria an early breakthrough when he rose highest to meet a cross, only for his powerful header to crash against the crossbar. Moments later, Lookman tested the Tanzanian defence again, but his effort was deflected just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
The Super Eagles thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Victor Osimhen skilfully rounded the goalkeeper, but defender Bakari Mwamnyeto tracked back brilliantly to block the shot off the line, keeping Tanzania level.
Ajayi breaks the deadlock
Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off in the 36th minute from a set-piece situation. Alex Iwobi swung in a perfectly weighted corner kick, and Semi Ajayi timed his run superbly to rise above his marker and head the ball decisively into the net, giving the Super Eagles a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Buoyed by the goal, Nigeria pressed for a second before halftime. Samuel Chukwueze forced the Tanzanian goalkeeper into an important save, while Osimhen remained a constant threat with his movement and physical presence, though the scoreline remained unchanged at the break.
Tanzania respond, Lookman answers
The second half began with Nigeria looking to extend their lead, and they briefly thought they had done so when Osimhen found the net. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, much to the striker’s frustration.
Tanzania took advantage of the moment and found an equaliser soon after. Charles M’Mombwa was left unmarked inside the box and calmly finished past the Nigerian goalkeeper, bringing the score back to 1-1 and injecting renewed belief into the Tanzanian camp.
Nigeria’s response was swift and composed. Once again, Iwobi played a crucial role, threading a precise pass into Lookman’s path. The forward showed great composure, controlling the ball and finishing clinically to restore Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute.
Game management seals the points
With the advantage regained, Nigeria continued to create chances, as Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all came close to adding a third goal. Despite failing to extend the margin, the Super Eagles demonstrated maturity in game management, slowing the tempo when needed and defending solidly in the closing stages.
Tanzania pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence held firm, ensuring there were no late surprises as the final whistle confirmed a valuable opening win.
The result places Nigeria at the top of Group C ahead of their next fixture against Tunisia, while Tanzania will aim to bounce back when they face Uganda in their second group match.