Super Eagles Begin AFCON Campaign with Hard-Fought Win Over Tanzania

Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night, combining attacking quality with defensive resilience to secure an important opening Group C win.

The Super Eagles asserted their authority early on and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home from a corner. Alex Iwobi delivered the set-piece, allowing Ajayi to steer his effort into the bottom-left corner and ignite celebrations among the Nigerian supporters.

Despite Nigeria’s control for large spells, Tanzania responded after the interval. Five minutes into the second half, Charles M’Mombwa capitalised on a lapse at the back, firing in from close range to draw his side level and briefly shift the momentum of the contest.

Nigeria’s response was swift and emphatic. Just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman restored the Super Eagles’ advantage with a superb left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, once again following intelligent work from Iwobi. The goal proved pivotal, settling Nigeria and reasserting their dominance.

As the match wore on, Tanzania found clear opportunities difficult to come by. Their best late chance arrived from a corner, but Ibrahim Hamad’s effort sailed high and wide in the closing moments.

Nigeria managed the remainder of the game effectively, with substitutions helping to maintain structure and control. Paul Onuachu was introduced in place of Victor Osimhen as the Super Eagles focused on seeing out the result without unnecessary risk.

At the final whistle, Nigeria celebrated a solid and well-earned victory, setting a positive platform for the remainder of their AFCON campaign.

The result places the Super Eagles in a strong early position in Group C, boosting confidence and expectations as they look ahead to their remaining fixtures in the tournament.