Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania: Lookman and Ajayi fire Super Eagles to winning AFCON 2025 start
Written by Abidoye Babatunde Blackcoin on 23 — 12
The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2–1 victory against Tanzania on Tuesday evening in Morocco, building on their status as runners-up from the previous tournament.
The three-time African champions were far from fluent but showed enough composure, creativity and attacking threat to deserve the win, creating a stream of chances that should, in truth, have produced a wider margin of victory.
Chelle set Nigeria up in an adventurous 4-4-2 formation, pairing Victor Osimhen with Akor Adams in attack and giving licence to Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman to drift inside from wide areas.
Nigeria started the match confidently, controlling possession and applying pressure. Their efforts were rewarded in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi scored with a powerful header, marking his second international goal.
Tanzania equalized in the 50th minute, with Charles M’Mombwa netting a well-executed shot. However, Nigeria quickly responded, nearly regaining the lead when Victor Osimhen’s goal was disallowed for offside. The Super Eagles did restore their advantage shortly after, with Ademola Lookman delivering an impressive strike in the 52nd minute.
Nigeria now sit top of Group C and face Tunisia next, knowing another victory would all but guarantee progression — something Nigeria have failed to achieve only twice in AFCON history, in 1968 and 1982.
