As widely expected, the Super Eagles opened their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON Morocco 2025) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and came close to taking the lead when Akor Adams’ header struck the crossbar. Ademola Lookman also tested the Tanzanian defence with a deflected effort that went narrowly wide.
The pressure continued as Victor Osimhen was denied by a last-ditch clearance after rounding the opposing goalkeeper midway through the first half.
It was Semi Ajayi who finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, heading home a well-delivered set-piece from Alex Iwobi for his second goal for the Super Eagles.
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Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba kept his side in the game with several fine saves, including a late stop from Samuel Chukwueze, maintaining a 1-0 scoreline heading into the break.
The Super Eagles nearly doubled their advantage immediately after the restart, but Victor Osimhen’s effort was ruled offside by VAR. Tanzania responded soon after, with an unmarked Charles M’Mombwa slotting the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to level the score.
Nigeria, however, responded swiftly. Iwobi was again central to the move, setting up Lookman to restore the Super Eagles’ lead with a clinical finish in the 52nd minute. Despite several missed opportunities to extend their advantage, Nigeria maintained composure to see out the match and claim all three points.
Semi Ajayi was deservedly named Man of the Match. The victory earned Nigeria crucial three points ahead of their next Group C encounter with Tunisia on Saturday, while Tanzania will look to recover when they face Uganda in their second group match on the same day.
