The Super Eagles opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a winning note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday, Bold Sports reports.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman sealed all three points for Nigeria in a competitive Group C encounter, as Tanzania pushed the three-time champions but ultimately left empty-handed.
The Super Eagles started on the front foot and came close to taking an early lead when Akor Adams’ header crashed against the crossbar. Ademola Lookman also went close in the 26th minute, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Nigeria continued to apply pressure and thought they had broken the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Victor Osimhen rounded goalkeeper Zuberi Foba and steered the ball goalwards, only for Bakari Mwamnyeto to prevent the striker’s effort from going in.
More Read
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 36th minute from the resulting corner. Alex Iwobi delivered an inviting cross into the box, and Semi Ajayi rose highest to power a header into the net, giving Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
Samuel Chukwueze almost doubled the advantage just before the interval, but his deflected effort was well saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper, who produced a series of impressive stops to keep his side in contention.
Nigeria thought they had extended their lead seconds after the restart when Osimhen found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside. Tanzania capitalised soon after, drawing level when Novatus Miroshi picked out the unmarked Charles M’Mombwa, who finished calmly past Stanley Nwabali to make it 1–1.
The Super Eagles responded almost immediately. Iwobi turned provider once again, this time teeing up Lookman, who produced a superb finish to restore Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute.
Lookman nearly added a second goal on the hour mark, but his deflected shot was kept out by the goalkeeper. Nigeria continued to create chances, with Iwobi firing wide in the 66th minute and Osimhen denied shortly after by another save.
Despite missing opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, the Super Eagles managed the closing stages effectively to secure a vital opening match win.
The victory sees Nigeria move to the top of Group C ahead of their next fixture against Tunisia. Tanzania, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they face Uganda in their second group match.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
