Nigeria vs Tanzania: Super Eagles claim 2–1 win in AFCON 2025 Opener

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania, securing all three points in their opening Group C fixture on Tuesday.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman proved decisive as Nigeria overcame a stubborn Tanzanian side at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco to start their quest for a fourth continental crown on a winning note.

Bright start rewards Nigeria

The Super Eagles began the encounter with purpose, dominating possession and pushing Tanzania deep into their half during the opening exchanges. Their early pressure paid off when Semi Ajayi opened the scoring, rising highest to convert from close range and give Nigeria a deserved lead.

Tanzania responded with resilience, refusing to fold under sustained Nigerian pressure. The Taifa Stars grew into the contest and tested Nigeria’s back line with quick transitions and physical play, forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into key interventions.

Lookman extends the lead

Nigeria regained control after the break and doubled their advantage through Ademola Lookman, whose calm finish capped a flowing attacking move. The Atalanta forward’s goal underlined Nigeria’s attacking quality and appeared to put the Super Eagles firmly in control of the contest.

Despite trailing by two goals, Tanzania continued to fight. Their persistence was rewarded with a goal that set up a nervy finale, as Nigeria were forced to defend their lead against late pressure.

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Super Eagles hold firm

Tanzania pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence stood firm in the closing stages. The Super Eagles managed the game effectively, seeing out the result to secure a crucial opening-day win in a tightly contested group.

The victory offers a confidence boost for Eric Chelle’s side, who are eager to go one step further than their runners-up finish at the previous AFCON and put recent disappointments behind them.

What the win means

With this result, Nigeria take an early advantage in Group C, which also features Tunisia and Uganda. The Super Eagles will look to build momentum in their next fixture as they aim to establish themselves as serious contenders for the title in Morocco.

Tanzania, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their spirited display despite the defeat and will hope to bounce back strongly in their remaining group matches.

SportsLigue