Nigeria kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening, as the Super Eagles demonstrated their resilience despite a spirited challenge from the Taifa Stars.
Super Eagles take early control
Eric Chelle's side, still smarting from their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, approached this tournament opener with clear determination. Nigeria dominated possession from the outset, with the attacking quartet of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams causing problems for the Tanzanian defense.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to power home Alex Iwobi's inviting cross from the right flank. The defender's towering header gave Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi no chance and rewarded Nigeria's sustained pressure.
Lookman's spectacular response
The Taifa Stars showed ambition after the interval and briefly threatened to level the contest. However, any hopes of a Tanzanian comeback were emphatically extinguished in the 52nd minute when Ademola Lookman produced a moment of individual brilliance.
The Atalanta winger, who starred at AFCON 2023 before Nigeria's final defeat to Ivory Coast, collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a stunning strike that rocketed into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, demonstrating exactly why Lookman finished third in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting.
Tanzania's late rally falls short
Miguel Gamondi's Tanzania refused to surrender and pulled a goal back late on to set up a nervous finale for the three-time African champions. The Taifa Stars, featuring veteran attacker Simon Msuva on his 100th international appearance and captain Mbwana Samatta, created several half-chances in the closing stages.
The most glaring opportunity fell to Ibrahim Hamad in the 88th minute when the center-back connected with a corner from the right, but the defender snatched at his effort and blazed over the crossbar from close range.
Tactical observations
Nigeria set up in a 4-2-2-2 formation with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi providing the midfield platform. The partnership of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi looked solid in central defense, though Tanzania's late pressure exposed some vulnerability to set-pieces.
Coach Eric Chelle introduced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon in the second half to shore up the midfield and provide fresh legs on the flanks, demonstrating the impressive depth at his disposal.
Tanzania's 4-3-3 setup showed attacking intent, with Tarryn Allarakhia providing an outlet on the right wing. The Taifa Stars can take encouragement from their spirited second-half display as they prepare for a crucial meeting with Uganda.
Group C implications
Nigeria's victory puts them top of Group C ahead of the evening's other fixture between Tunisia and Uganda. The Super Eagles will face Tunisia on Saturday in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for group supremacy.
For Tanzania, who will co-host the 2027 edition alongside Kenya and Uganda, this tournament represents valuable experience at the highest level. Their next test comes against Uganda in a match that could prove decisive for both sides' hopes of progressing from the group.