Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night, with a decisive second-half strike from Ademola Lookman sealing three points in their Group C opener in Fes, Morocco.
Coming into the tournament under scrutiny following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles dominated possession but were pushed hard by a disciplined Tanzanian side that remained competitive throughout.
Nigeria took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi headed home an Alex Iwobi cross after sustained pressure. The Super Eagles briefly thought they had doubled their advantage seconds after the restart, but Victor Osimhen’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Tanzania drew level in the 52nd minute through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished first time after a well-worked move that caught Nigeria’s defence out of shape. The equaliser unsettled the Super Eagles momentarily, but they responded quickly.
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Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead moments later, collecting a pass from Iwobi outside the penalty area and driving a low shot past goalkeeper Zuberi Foba. The Atalanta forward’s effort proved decisive as Nigeria managed the closing stages despite late pressure.
Osimhen, who led the line alongside Akor Adams, had chances to extend the lead but was frustrated by Tanzania’s organisation and Foba’s alert goalkeeping. Eric Chelle turned to his bench late on, introducing Paul Onuachu to help see out the result.
Tanzania, captained by Mbwana Samatta, threatened on the counter and nearly equalised in stoppage time, with Ibrahim Hamad missing a clear opportunity. Despite the defeat, the East Africans delivered a spirited performance.
Before kick-off, Tanzania’s interim coach Miguel Gamondi had acknowledged the scale of the challenge. “Maybe Nigeria have 99 per cent, but you never know,” he said. “Beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us.”
The win gives Nigeria a positive start in Group C and extends their strong record in tournament openers. The Super Eagles have now won 14 of their 21 opening AFCON matches and are unbeaten in their first game at the last four editions. They have also won 11 of their last 15 group-stage matches.
Tuesday’s fixture marked Nigeria’s 105th AFCON match, the third-most in the competition’s history, as they look to build momentum in Morocco.
