The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco on a positive note with a 2–1 win over Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in the Group C opener.
Semi Ajayi’s opener in the 37th minute and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 52nd minute sealed a winning start for Eric Chelle’s AFCON reign.
Ajayi opened the scoring by rising highest to power home a header from Alex Iwobi’s delivery from the left edge of the box.
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Lookman’s strike marked his ninth goal for Nigeria and his fourth at the AFCON, adding to the three he scored at the last tournament to help the Super Eagles reach the final.
Nigeria dominated possession in the opening stages, pinning Tanzania back for long spells before finally breaking the deadlock late in the first half.
Tanzania emerged with renewed intent after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa found space inside the penalty area and fired a first-time shot beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper to level the score at 1–1.
The Super Eagles responded swiftly and nearly retook the lead when Victor Osimhen found the net in the 47th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Nigeria continued to press and restored their advantage in the 52nd minute through a moment of quality from Lookman, who finished clinically to put the Super Eagles back in front.
While the performance was not entirely convincing, the Super Eagles did enough to secure a crucial victory.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next Group C fixture against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27.
