Nigeria defeat Tanzania in Group C opener | OneFootball

Nigeria weren't at their very best but began their AFCON campaign with a win over Tanzania.

The Super Eagles managed 21 shots in total but were never able to put real daylight between them and Tanzania.

The opening goal for Nigeria came in the 36th minute when a short corner routine resulted in Fulham's Alex Iwobi crossing for Hull City man Semi Ajayi to head home.

But Tanzania fought back and levelled the score five minutes into the second half. Novatus Dismas sent in a high, looping cross from the left that fell to the feet of Charles M'Mombwa to finish past Stanley Nwabali.

Parity didn't last long though. Iwobi again provided the assist but this goal was all about Ademola Lookman who got the ball on to his left foot and fired an excellent effort into the corner.

If Nigeria want to go on and win this they will need to improve as the tournament goes on but this was a well-earned three points nonetheless. 

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

15':

Missed opportunity! Victor Osimhen from Nigeria took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it didn't find the target.

22':

Missed opportunity! Victor Osimhen from Nigeria took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

27':

Missed opportunity. Ademola Lookman from Nigeria took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area following a direct free kick.

34':

Missed opportunity. Victor Osimhen from Nigeria takes a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it goes over the bar and to the right.

Nigeria takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Tanzania. Semi Ajayi scores with a powerful header from the center of the box after a corner kick.

36':

GOAL Nigeria: Semi Ajayi (Nigeria) scores!

Semi Ajayi scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

50':

GOAL Tanzania: Charles M’Mombwa (Tanzania) scores!

Charles M’Mombwa scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

Nigeria takes the lead with a score of 2-1 against Tanzania. Ademola Lookman scores with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area.

52':

GOAL Nigeria: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) scores!

Ademola Lookman scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

55':

Missed opportunity! Tarryn Allarakhia from Tanzania took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

62':

Missed opportunity! Victor Osimhen from Nigeria takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails high and to the right. The assist came from Alex Iwobi.

67':

Missed opportunity! Alex Iwobi from Nigeria took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it sailed high and wide to the right. The assist came from Moses Simon.

81':

Missed opportunity! Mohamed Hussein from Tanzania takes a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area after a set piece, but it sails over the crossbar.

83':

Missed opportunity! Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from Nigeria took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

84':

Missed opportunity! Kelvin John from Tanzania took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. He was assisted by Alphonce Msanga.

88':

Missed opportunity. Ibrahim Hamad from Tanzania took a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, but it went over the bar and to the right after a corner kick.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match