Lookman inspires Nigeria: debut win and wonder goal vs Tanzania | OneFootball

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opens under the sign of Ademola Lookman, the undisputed protagonist of Nigeria’s victory over Tanzania in the opening match of Group C.

Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman immediately leads Nigeria: a left-footed strike worthy of applause and a debut win against Tanzania

The Atalanta forward scores the decisive goal with a left-footed shot from distance, confirming himself as a key man for the Super Eagles and immediately living up to the high expectations surrounding him.

Lookman decisive on his debut: Nigeria-Tanzania 2-1

The Nigerian national team defeats Tanzania 2-1 at the end of an intense match full of incidents. In a group also featuring Tunisia and Uganda, José Peseiro’s team gets off to a strong start, showing solidity and quality, especially in the key moments of the match.

The first breakthrough comes in the first half, when Ajayi, Hull City defender, opens the scoring to put Nigeria ahead. Shortly after, a goal by Victor Osimhen, former Napoli striker, is disallowed—an episode that could have further influenced the match but keeps the contest open.

The brilliance of Lookman: technique, composure, and quality

At the start of the second half, Tanzania equalizes through M’Mombwa, who takes advantage of a Nigerian defensive lapse. This is when Lookman’s class shines through. In the 52nd minute, after receiving the ball from Iwobi, the Atalanta winger takes on his direct opponent Msanga, beats him with a body feint, and shifts onto his left foot. The shot, powerful and precise on the diagonal, leaves goalkeeper Foba with no chance.

A goal of great quality, perfectly summarizing the player’s attributes: quick thinking, individual technique, and the ability to make an impact at decisive moments. A move worth three points, strengthening Nigeria’s ambitions in the tournament.

Expectations met and leadership confirmed

“All eyes were on him” and Lookman delivered. In addition to the Atalanta talent, the match also featured other well-known European footballers such as Lazio’s Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze (formerly of Milan), and Osimhen himself. Nigeria showcased a deep and competitive squad, ready to play a leading role in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Africa Cup of Nations 2025: today’s results

Below are the results of the other matches played:

DR Congo – Benin 1-0 Scorers: 16’ Bongonda (C)

Senegal – Botswana 3-0 Scorers: 40’ Jackson (S), 58’ Jackson (S), 90’ Ndiaye (S)

Nigeria – Tanzania 2-1 Scorers: 36’ Ajayi (N), 50’ M’Mombwa (T), 52’ Lookman (N)

Tunisia – Uganda 3-1 Scorers: 10’ Skhiri, 40’ and 64’ Achouri (T), 92’ Omedi (U)

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