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

Nigeria started with a victory in the 2025 edition of the CAN, 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 combined corner, following a timely tackle by Bakari Nondo near his goal that prevented a goal from Osimhen.

At the restart, the match began intensely: Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside in the 47th minute, before Tanzania equalized through Charles M’Mombwa, who appeared free at the far post to finish 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 strong and well-placed shot.

Despite Tanzania's advances – Kelvin John came close to scoring with a cross-shot in the 84th minute – the result remained 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 PM 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 (40 and 58 minutes) and, near the 90th minute, Cherif Ndiaye closed the score.

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