Ademola Lookman struck the decisive goal as Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Fes, claiming a crucial three points in Group C.
Despite dominating large spells of the encounter, the Super Eagles were made to work for the win, with Tanzania briefly threatening an upset early in the second half.
First Half Dominance Rewarded
Nigeria controlled proceedings from the outset. Akor Adams came close when his effort rattled the woodwork, while Victor Osimhen rounded goalkeeper Zuberi Foba only to see his shot dramatically cleared off the line.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 36th minute. From the second phase of a corner, Alex Iwobi delivered a teasing cross that Semi Ajayi powered home with a commanding header to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Osimhen thought he had doubled the advantage shortly after, but his flicked finish was ruled out for offside.
Tanzania Hit Back, Lookman Responds
Tanzania shocked the Super Eagles faithful five minutes into the second half. Novatus Miroshi lofted a clever pass into the box, and Charles M’Mombwa calmly side-footed into the far corner to level the score in the 50th minute.
Nigeria’s response was immediate. Just 108 seconds later, Iwobi once again turned provider, slipping a precise pass into Lookman’s path. The Atalanta forward made no mistake, blasting a powerful left-footed strike past Foba to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Late Pressure, Points Secured
Tanzania pushed for another equaliser and created a couple of dangerous moments. Calvin Bassey made a crucial defensive intervention to divert Mohamed Hussein’s inviting cross, while Ibrahim Hamad fired narrowly into the side netting.
Nigeria managed the closing stages well to seal the win ahead of a pivotal Group C clash with Tunisia on Saturday.
Data Debrief: Solid Start, Room for Improvement
Despite seven attempts, Victor Osimhen was kept scoreless, the most shots by a Nigerian player in an AFCON match since Victor Obinna in 2010.
Alex Iwobi assisted both goals, his first assists in 19 AFCON appearances.
While the performance lacked fluency at times, the Super Eagles did enough to claim maximum points against a spirited Tanzanian side ranked 112th in the world.
Line-ups
Nigeria XI:
Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali
Subs:
Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Francis Uzoho, Cyriel Dessers, Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Igoh Ogbu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, R. Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Amas Obasogie
Tanzania XI:
Ally Samatta, Shomari Kapombe, Simon Msuva, Charles M’Mombwa, Tarryn Allarakhia, Mohamed Hussein, Novatus Miroshi, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Alphonce Msanga, Ibrahim Hamad, Zuberi Foba
