AFCON: Nigeria do enough in win against courageous Tanzania

Nigeria opened up Group C play at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday in Fez, Morocco.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇳🇬 2-1 🇹🇿

A back-and-forth match ends with a win for Nigeria in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/ILMVLnhMoG

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 23, 2025

Ademola Lookman’s rapid response to an equalizer from Tanzania early in the second half made the difference at the Stade Fez. Taifa Stars attacker Charles M’Mombwa had equalized for the East African underdogs only a minute earlier before Lookman’s impressive 52nd minute strike stood as the match winner.

Nigeria, favorites to advance from the group along with Tunisia, quickly asserted their superiority in the first half through attacks down the flanks. Star striker Victor Osimhen got free on a couple of occasions down the right wing but a strong performance from Taifa Stars goalkeeper Zuberi Foba kept the match close.

However, moments after Osimhen went around Foba and saw his shot cleared off the line late in the first half, Super Eagles center back Semi Ajayi was unmarked to head in the ensuing corner kick to put the favorites ahead by halftime.

The East Africans came out more inspired in the second half and were able to create some danger for the Super Eagles defense. In the 50th minute, their ambition was rewarded when Novatus Miroshi’s excellent floated pass went over the defense and found M’Mombwa who did well to volley past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Before the underdogs could settle following their equalizer, they were back behind. A quick response from the three-time African champions led to some nifty footwork from Lookman at the edge of the penalty area and the Atalanta forward produced a powerful effort into the top corner.

The Taifa Stars, despite lacking star power in the attack, continued to occasionally cause trouble as they searched for another leveler. However, they failed to capitalize late on with a couple of shots off target during their final push.

The Super Eagles will look to fully establish Group C superiority in their next fixture on Saturday when they face Tunisia in Fez. Tanzania will turn their attention to a crucial East African derby on the same day in Rabat when they face off with Uganda.