The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over a stubborn Tanzanian side on Tuesday evening at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco.
In a game that tested Nigeria’s patience, discipline, and attacking depth, goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman ensured Eric Chelle’s side began their Group C journey on a winning note, even as Tanzania threatened to snatch a result after a spirited second-half response.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted control, moving the ball confidently and pressing high up the pitch. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams combined well early on, forcing Tanzanian goalkeeper Zuberi Foba into action inside the opening ten minutes. Adams came closest in the first half, striking the crossbar with a powerful header from an Alex Iwobi-delivered corner.
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Tanzania, however, was far from passengers. Simon Msuva and Tarryn Allarakhia tested Stanley Nwabali with long-range efforts, forcing the Nigerian goalkeeper to produce a series of sharp saves that underlined his growing importance to the team.
Nigeria’s pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi floated a delightful cross into the box, and Semi Ajayi rose highest to power a header past Foba, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead and igniting celebrations among Nigerian supporters in Fes.
The Super Eagles could have doubled their advantage before the break, with Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Osimhen all going close, but Tanzania survived to reach halftime trailing by just a single goal.
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The second half began with drama as Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead moments after the restart. Celebrations were quickly cut short when VAR intervened, ruling the Galatasaray striker offside after a review.
That decision appeared to give Tanzania renewed belief. In the 50th minute, Charles M’Mombwa capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing home from inside the box to level the scores and briefly silence the Nigerian bench.
Nigeria’s response was immediate and emphatic. Just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past defenders before unleashing a stunning strike from the edge of the box that flew beyond Foba into the right corner of the net.
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It proved to be the decisive moment of the contest.
The remainder of the match saw Nigeria manage the game with maturity, though not without further scares. Fisayo Dele Bashiru, introduced from the bench, impressed with his energy and creativity, forcing another excellent save from Foba, who was Tanzania’s standout performer on the night.
Stanley Nwabali also played his part, commanding his area confidently as Tanzania pushed forward late in search of an equalizer. Substitute Paul Onuachu helped Nigeria see out the closing minutes, offering a physical presence up front as the Super Eagles protected their slim advantage.
At full time, referee Dahane Beida brought an end to an entertaining and competitive contest, confirming Nigeria’s first three points of the tournament.
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For the Super Eagles, it was a performance that combined resilience with flashes of attacking quality, while Tanzania earned respect for their organization and fearlessness against one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
Nigeria will now look ahead with confidence as their AFCON 2025 campaign gathers momentum, knowing that tougher tests still lie ahead in Group C.
Feature Image Credit: Julie Sports Facebook Page
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