Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nationscampaign with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, setting an early tone in Group C.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookmanproved decisive as the Super Eagles absorbed pressure, responded to setbacks, and ultimately did enough to secure maximum points against a disciplined Tanzanian side.
The Super Eagles started with clear intent, pinning Tanzania back in the opening exchanges.
Akor Adams came closest to an early breakthrough when his header struck the crossbar, while Lookman later saw an effort deflected wide as Nigeria sustained pressure.
Nigeria thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Victor Osimhen rounded the goalkeeper, but Bakari Mwamnyeto recovered in time to block the striker’s goal-bound effort.
Ajayi breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute from a corner kick. Alex Iwobi delivered a precise cross, and Semi Ajayi rose above his marker to power a header past the goalkeeper, giving Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead.
Tanzania respond, Lookman answers
Nigeria briefly thought they had doubled their advantage after the restart when Osimhen scored, but VAR ruled the effort offside.
Tanzania capitalised soon after, levelling the score through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished calmly after being left unmarked in the box.
The response from Nigeria was immediate. Iwobi again turned provider, setting up Lookman, who finished clinically to restore the Super Eagles’ lead in the 52nd minute.
Game management seals the points
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close, but failed to add a third goal. Despite that, the Super Eagles managed the closing stages with composure to see out the contest.
The win places Nigeria at the top of Group C ahead of their next outing against Tunisia, while Tanzania will look to recover when they face Uganda in their second group match.
