Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a resilient Tanzania side, as Ademola Lookman’s superb second-half strike proved decisive in Morocco.
The win extended the Super Eagles’ dominance in the fixture to nine matches unbeaten against the Taifa Stars and offered a timely response after last month’s failure to qualify for a second successive fifa world cup finals.
Éric Chelle’s side started with clear intent and almost took the lead inside the opening minutes when Akor Adams forced Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba into a sharp save from a tight angle. Moments later, the Sevilla forward came even closer, powering a header against the crossbar from close range following sustained pressure.
Tanzania briefly threatened to disrupt Nigeria’s rhythm when Simon Msuva produced an acrobatic effort that was comfortably gathered by Stanley Nwabali, but the Super Eagles continued to assert themselves. Victor Osimhen thought he had opened the scoring after rounding Foba, only for Bakari Mwamnyeto to make a crucial goal-line clearance.
Nigeria’s breakthrough eventually arrived in the 36th minute. From a corner, Alex Iwobi’s inswinging delivery was glanced expertly into the far corner by Semi Ajayi, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
The chances kept coming before the interval, with Foba producing a fine double save to deny Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze in quick succession, ensuring Tanzania went into the break only a goal behind.
Those saves proved vital as Tanzania drew level five minutes after the restart. Novatus Miroshi delivered a dangerous cross into the box, where Charles M’Mombwa was left unmarked and finished calmly on the volley from close range.
Nigeria’s response was swift and emphatic. Just two minutes later, Lookman created space on the edge of the area and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike into the far corner, restoring the Super Eagles’ advantage and settling any early nerves.
Chelle’s men pressed for a third goal to put the contest beyond doubt, with Lookman seeing a deflected effort pushed over the bar by Foba and Osimhen repeatedly testing the Tanzania defence. Iwobi fired narrowly over from inside the area, while Osimhen’s low drive was again denied by the impressive Foba.
Tanzania, however, remained dangerous on the break and came agonisingly close to a late equaliser when Ibrahim Hamad blazed over from close range after a corner, a miss that ultimately proved decisive.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Nigeria held firm, managing the game well to secure three points and make a winning start to group c.
The Super Eagles will take confidence from the result as they look to build momentum in the tournament when they face Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their second match on Saturday, while Tanzania were left to rue missed opportunities after a spirited performance that pushed one of the tournament favourites all the way.
punch.ng
FOLLOW US ON:
