Zaidu in the starting XI as Nigeria edge past Tanzania | OneFootball

Nigeria started the 2025 AFCON with a victory, defeating Tanzania 2-1 in the opening match of Group C. FC Porto’s left-back, Zaidu, played the full 90 minutes for the Nigerian national team.

With greater dominance during the first half, the Super Eagles opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Semi Ajayi, in a set-piece play resulting from a well-worked corner, following a timely tackle by Bakari Nondo near his own goal that prevented an Osimhen goal.

After the break, the match resumed at a high pace: Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside in the 47th minute, before Tanzania equalized through Charles M’Mombwa, who appeared unmarked at the far post to finish off a perfect pass from Miroshi. The tie didn’t last long, as Ademola Lookman put Nigeria back in the lead in the 52nd minute with a powerful and well-placed shot.

Despite Tanzania’s efforts – Kelvin John came close to scoring in the 84th minute with a cross-shot – the score remained unchanged until the final whistle, allowing Nigeria to take the lead in Group C and await the outcome of the match between Tunisia and Uganda, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. this Tuesday.

In Group B, after the Democratic Republic of Congo’s victory over Benin (1-0), Senegal defeated Botswana 3-0: Nicolas Jackson scored twice (40th and 58th minutes) and, close to the 90th minute, Cherif Ndiaye sealed the score.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.