Nigeria’s Super Eagles commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a triumphant note, securing a vital 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.
The three-time African champions took early command of the encounter, dictating the tempo despite a spirited Tanzanian side that looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest in a crowded penalty area to meet Alex Iwobi’s perfectly lofted cross with a powerful header, sending the Nigerian supporters into a frenzy and ensuring the Eagles headed into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
However, the game took a dramatic turn just two minutes into the second half. A lapse in the Nigerian defense allowed a loose ball to fall to Tanzanian midfielder Charles M’Mombwa, who clinicaly capitalized on the opportunity to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer momentarily shifted the momentum, piling pressure on the Super Eagles as the Taifa Stars grew in confidence.
Nigeria’s response was swift and decisive. In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman produced a moment of individual brilliance, unleashing a clinical left-footed strike from outside the 18-yard box that flew past the Tanzanian goalkeeper to restore Nigeria’s lead.
The goal settled Nigerian nerves and forced Tanzania into an aggressive offensive push in the final stages of the match.
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Despite a relentless late charge from the Taifa Stars, Nigeria’s backline held firm. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, supported by the defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and goal-scorer Semi Ajayi, made a series of crucial interventions to preserve the lead until the final whistle.
With this victory, Nigeria sits at the top of Group C ahead of the late-night clash between Tunisia and Uganda. The Super Eagles will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming group fixtures against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, and Uganda on Tuesday, December 30.