Nigeria begin AFCON quest with 2-1 victory over Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign on a positive note, securing a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group C opener on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Morocco.

Nigeria started the encounter on the front foot, dominating possession and dictating the tempo in the early stages, although Tanzania created a few threatening moments on the counter.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose above his markers to power home a header from Alex Iwobi’s well-delivered cross, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead heading into the halftime break.

Tanzania, however, responded immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to restore parity and momentarily shift momentum in favour of the Taifa Stars.

Nigeria quickly regrouped and reclaimed the lead in the 55th minute, courtesy of Ademola Lookman, who unleashed a precise left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat the Tanzanian goalkeeper.

Despite late pressure from Tanzania, the Super Eagles held firm defensively to see out the contest and claim all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a solid start in Group C as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title.