Nigeria began their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener played in wet conditions in Fes on Tuesday. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 36th minute through defender Semi Ajayi, who glanced home a well-weighted header from an inviting Alex Iwobi cross from the right. Nigeria dominated much of the first half and created several chances to extend their advantage, but Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba kept his side in the contest, notably tipping Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected effort over the bar. Tanzania responded strongly after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa side-footed home a lofted cross from Novatus Miroshi to draw the East Africans level. However, Nigeria wasted little time in reclaiming the lead. Just two minutes later, former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman produced a moment of brilliance, shifting the ball onto his left foot before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top-right corner to restore the Super Eagles’ advantage. Despite sustained pressure from Tanzania in the closing stages, Eric Chelle’s men held on to secure all three points, much to the delight of the Nigerian supporters among the 11,444 fans in attendance. Nigeria, who finished runners-up at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire and are chasing their first AFCON title since 2013, will now look to seal early qualification for the round of 16 when they face Tunisia in their next Group C fixture in Fes on Saturday. Tanzania, still in search of their first-ever AFCON finals victory, will travel to Rabat for an all–East Africa clash against Uganda. The victory offers a positive start for the Super Eagles as they seek to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reignite hopes of continental glory in Morocco.
Nigeria Edge Tanzania to Open AFCON 2025 Campaign With Narrow Win
