Nigeria Begin AFCON 2025 Campaign With Gritty Win Against Tanzania
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a spirited Tanzania side on Tuesday night at the Stade de Fès, Morocco.
The Super Eagles were made to work for all three points as the Taifa Stars put up a courageous performance, but goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman proved decisive in the Group C encounter.
Nigeria, tipped as one of the favourites to progress from the group alongside Tunisia, dominated possession in the opening exchanges and consistently threatened down the flanks.
Victor Osimhen was at the heart of the Super Eagles’ attacking play, repeatedly finding space on the right wing, but Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba produced a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the contest.
The breakthrough eventually came just before halftime. Osimhen appeared to have put Nigeria ahead after rounding Foba, only for his effort to be cleared off the line. From the resulting corner kick, however, defender Semi Ajayi rose highest, heading home unmarked to give Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead at the interval.
Tanzania returned from the break with renewed confidence and intent, pushing higher up the pitch and testing the Nigerian defence.
Their ambition paid off in the 50th minute when Novatus Miroshi delivered a perfectly weighted floated pass over the backline, allowing Charles M’Mombwa to volley past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and draw the Taifa Stars level.
The equaliser was short-lived. Barely a minute later, Nigeria restored their lead through Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta forward showcased excellent footwork at the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Foba with no chance and sending the Nigerian supporters into celebration.
Despite lacking big-name attackers, Tanzania refused to retreat and continued to pose occasional problems as they searched for another equaliser. However, their late efforts fell short, with a couple of shots sailing off target during a determined final push.
Nigeria will now look to assert full control of Group C when they face fellow heavyweights Tunisia on Saturday in Fez. Tanzania, meanwhile, will shift focus to a crucial East African derby against Uganda later the same day in Rabat.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
