Ademola Lookman scored the decisive goal as Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group C campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a spirited Tanzania side on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
Tanzania showed early signs of intent, nearly catching the Nigerian defence off guard in the 14th minute, but their effort was comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Victor Osimhen came close to opening the scoring in the 35th minute after rounding the goalkeeper, only for Tanzania captain Mwamnyeto to make a brilliant goal-line clearance.
The SuperEagles dominated much of the first half and were rewarded in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home a precise Alex Iwobi cross.
The second half began at a frenetic pace. Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead within a minute of the restart after being set up by Akor Adams, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Tanzania stunned Nigeria in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa timed his run perfectly, beating the offside trap before placing the ball past Nwabali to level the score at 1-1 in Fes.
The Eagles responded almost immediately, with Lookman restoring their lead. The former African Footballer of the Year fired home a composed left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Despite some defensive lapses, head coach Eric Chelle will be pleased to have secured maximum points in the opening match, while noting areas that require improvement ahead of tougher tests.
Nigeria will next face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on Saturday, 27 December, while Tanzania will look to bounce back when they take on Uganda in their next group fixture.
