Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in a lively Group C encounter on Tuesday.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured all three points for the three-time African champions, who dominated large spells of the match despite missing several chances.
Ajayi opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rising above his marker to head home an Alex Iwobi cross and give Nigeria a deserved lead. The Super Eagles carried that advantage into the break after controlling possession and creating multiple openings.
Nigeria continued on the front foot after halftime, and Lookman doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a composed finish past goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi. The Atalanta forward struck from close range after positioning himself perfectly inside the Tanzanian box.
Earlier in the game, Akor Adams rattled the woodwork, while Victor Osimhen saw a close-range effort cleared off the line. Osimhen also had a second-half goal ruled out for offside.
Tanzania briefly threatened a comeback when William M’Mombwa capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull one back in the 50th minute. However, the Super Eagles quickly regained control of the contest.
Head coach Eric Chelle introduced experienced winger Moses Simon in search of a third goal, but Nigeria settled for a narrow victory. Tanzania nearly snatched a late equaliser when a dangerous cross evaded goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to make contact.
With three points secured, Nigeria now shift focus to their next Group C clash against Tunisia on Saturday in Fes. A win against the Carthage Eagles would seal the Super Eagles’ place in the round of 16.
