The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their quest for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener on Tuesday night. The match, played at the Fez Stadium in Fes, Morocco, provided a vital three points for a Nigerian side under pressure following their recent failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Tense Start and a Vital Breakthrough
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria controlled possession for large periods but found a resilient Tanzanian side difficult to break down. The Super Eagles' persistence paid off in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose highest to power a header into the net from a perfectly delivered Alex Iwobi cross. The goal was a just reward for Nigeria's sustained pressure in the first half.
The Nigerian team thought they had doubled their lead immediately after the restart. Striker Victor Osimhen found the back of the net from close range, but the celebrations were cut short after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) correctly ruled the effort offside.
Tanzania Fights Back Before Lookman's Decisive Strike
Capitalising on the let-off, the East Africans stunned the Super Eagles with an equaliser in the 52nd minute through Charles M'Mombwa. A swift attacking move caught the Nigerian defence off guard, allowing M'Mombwa to finish neatly and level the scores.
The parity was short-lived, however. Nigeria responded with characteristic urgency. Just moments after conceding, Ademola Lookman restored the lead with a moment of individual quality. The Atalanta forward received a pass from the influential Iwobi outside the box, drove forward, and unleashed a low, driven shot that beat goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
Managing the Game to a Crucial Win
Despite late pressure from a Tanzanian team captained by Mbwana Samatta, Nigeria managed the closing stages professionally. Victor Osimhen, leading the line with Akor Adams, had several opportunities to seal the game but was denied by a combination of organised defending and alert goalkeeping from Foba. Substitute Paul Onuachu was introduced to help see out the result, though Tanzania came agonisingly close to a late equaliser when Ibrahim Hamad missed a clear chance in stoppage time.
The victory provides a positive foundation for Nigeria's AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco. It also serves as a welcome response to the recent scrutiny surrounding the team. For Tanzania, interim coach Miguel Gamondi's pre-match sentiment—that beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON—remained just out of reach, but his team's competitive performance will give them confidence for their remaining group matches.
