Nigeria kick off AFCON campaign with 2-1 win against Tanzania | OneFootball

Nigeria kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania to take an early lead in Group C.

After failing to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, Nigeria arrived in Morocco in search of redemption at AFCON, and they’ve started as they mean to go on.

The three-time AFCON winners flew out of the blocks to establish an early dominance over Tanzania and came close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions.

Akor Adams forced Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba into a sharp save before crashing a close-range header against the crossbar.

The Super Eagles caused the Tanzanian backline plenty of problems with their pace, movement, and direct brand of football.

Tanzania also managed to carve out a few decent chances, with Simon Msuva notably testing Stanley Nwabali with an acrobatic effort.

It wasn’t enough to get the better of the Nigerian goalkeeper, but it sent a message that the Taifa Stars weren’t prepared to roll over.

Nigeria responded with a warning of their own as Victor Osimhen rounded Foba only to be thwarted by a sensational last-ditch clearance off the line by Bakari Mwamnyeto.

However, the Super Eagles would not be denied as Semi Ajayi rose highest to guide home an Alex Iwobi corner, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute.

Nigeria kept their foot on the gas as they pushed to double their advantage, but two excellent saves from Foba denied Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze.

Tanzania repaid their goalkeeper’s heroics by restoring parity just five minutes after the restart. 

Novatus Miroshi sent in a dangerous cross, and Charles M’Mombwa arrived unmarked to volley home, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

However, that excitement was short-lived as 2024 African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead after just two minutes.

The Atalanta star created space for himself on the edge of the box and rifled a belter into the far corner. Nigeria had a few other opportunities to extend their lead.

However, they failed to convert any of those chances and would have been punished if Ibrahim Hamad didn’t send a glorious last-minute opportunity over the crossbar from close range.

Lookman ended up as the match winner, and the Super Eagles will look to continue their confident start when they take on Tunisia on matchday two.