Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania. However, the performance in Fez suggested there is still work to be done before they can truly assert their continental pedigree.
The struggle notwithstanding, Nigeria have stretched their winning streak over Tanzania to five.
Against a Tanzanian side yet to record a win in AFCON history, Nigeria were pushed to the limit and made to earn all three points in a contest that proved far more demanding than the records of both teams suggested.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to nod home a well-delivered cross from Alex Iwobi. It was Ajayi’s second goal for the Super Eagles, following his strike against Lesotho in a 2023 World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half when Victor Osimhen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. That moment proved costly, as the Super Eagles’ defence switched off minutes later, allowing Charles M’Mombwa to fire in a first-time finish in the 52nd minute to draw Tanzania level.
The equaliser jolted Nigeria into greater urgency, and their response arrived through Ademola Lookman, who restored the lead with a superb strike from just outside the penalty area.
Despite late pressure from Tanzania, Nigeria held on to secure the win, which temporarily places them at the top of Group C pending the outcome of the Tunisia versus Uganda encounter.
The Super Eagles will next face Tunisia on Saturday before rounding off their group campaign against Uganda on December 30. Tanzania, still in search of its first-ever AFCON victory, takes on Uganda on Saturday and concludes its group fixtures against Tunisia on December 30.
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