The Super Eagles of Nigeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a vital, albeit nervy, 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday evening. In a rain-soaked encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the three-time champions relied on the brilliance of Ademola Lookman to restore their lead just moments after a shock Tanzanian equalizer.
The win sees Nigeria claim three points in Group C, providing a necessary morale boost for head coach Éric Chelle as the team seeks redemption for their recent World Cup qualifying heartbreak.
Nigeria dominated much of the early proceedings, with Akor Adams striking the crossbar and Victor Osimhen seeing an effort cleared off the line. The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to meet an Alex Iwobi delivery, heading home his second international goal.
The second half began with high drama. After Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR, Tanzania capitalized on a lapse in the Nigerian defense. In the 50th minute, Charles M’Mombwa silenced the Nigerian fans by volleying home a cross from Novatus Miroshi to pull the Taifa Stars level.
However, Nigeria’s response was instantaneous. Just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman collected the ball on the edge of the area, twisted past his marker, and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike into the far corner to restore the 2–1 lead.
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