Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Tanzania in Group C on Tuesday in Fez.
The Super Eagles looked dangerous from the start. Within the first 10 minutes, Akor Adams was played through on goal, and although his cut-back was cleared for a corner, he later hit the crossbar with a header from the set piece.
Victor Osimhen had an early effort over the bar, and Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty when Ademola Lookman went down in the box in the 22nd minute was turned down by the referee.
Osimhen continued to threaten, getting past goalkeeper Zuberi Foba twice, but a defender blocked one effort and the other failed to reach a teammate.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Semi Ajayi climbed highest to meet an Alex Iwobi cross and powered a header into the net, giving the Super Eagles the lead.
Before halftime, both Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen were denied by Foba, leaving the score at 1-0 at the break.
Early in the second half, Osimhen’s goal was ruled out for offside, and Tanzania equalized in the 49th minute through Charles M’Mombwa after a slick team move.
Nigeria responded immediately. Three minutes later, Ademola Lookman fired a stunning shot from outside the box to restore the lead.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate, with Lookman testing Foba again and Iwobi coming close from distance. They held on to claim all three points, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
The victory extends Nigeria’s strong record in AFCON openers, with 13 wins in 20 matches and three consecutive unbeaten starts.
Nigeria’s next Group C clash will be against Tunisia on December 27, 2025. The group also features Tanzania and Uganda.
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