Nigeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in a Group C fixture played at the Fes Stadium on Tuesday.
Ademola Lookman scored the decisive goal as the Super Eagles overcame spirited resistance from the Taifa Stars, who threatened on several occasions and briefly drew level in the second half.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half through defender Semi Ajayi, who rose highest to head home Alex Iwobi’s cross on 36 minutes. Tanzania responded after the break when Charles M’Mombwa finished calmly from a lofted delivery to make it 1-1.
Nigeria, however, reacted immediately. Just two minutes after the equaliser, Lookman cut inside from the flank and curled a precise left-footed strike into the far corner to restore his side’s advantage.
Head coach Eric Chelle handed starting roles to Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in attack, while Wilfred Ndidi captained the team for the first time following the retirements of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa. Nigeria dominated much of the contest, creating several chances, but were repeatedly denied by Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba and the woodwork.
Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR early in the second half, while Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze both went close as Nigeria pushed for a more comfortable margin.
Substitutions in midfield helped the Super Eagles maintain control in the closing stages, and they saw out the contest to record their 15th opening-day victory in AFCON history. Tanzania, meanwhile, extended their run of opening-match defeats at the tournament.
Nigeria will face Tunisia in their second group match on Saturday, December 27.
