Nigeria’s Super Eagles launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a tense but deserved 2-1 victory over Tanzania, marking their 105th appearance at the AFCON finals, the third highest in the competition’s history.
Nigeria started on the front foot and created the first clear opportunity in the ninth minute when Akor Adams was slipped through on goal. The striker attempted to round goalkeeper Zuberi Foba, but the Tanzania keeper reacted quickly to make a smart save.
Two minutes later, the Super Eagles came agonisingly close again. Ademola Lookman’s corner found Adams, whose header crashed against the crossbar, denying Nigeria an early breakthrough.
Tanzania had a brief moment of encouragement in the 14th minute when they worked space behind the Nigerian defence, but their effort was straight at Stanley Nwabali.
Victor Osimhen then thought he had put Nigeria ahead in the 35th minute after rounding the goalkeeper, only for Tanzania captain Mwamnyeto to clear brilliantly off the line.
Nigeria’s pressure finally told a minute later. A clever short corner routine saw Alex Iwobi deliver a teasing cross that Semi Ajayi powered home with a header to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead in the 36th minute.
Nigeria ended the first half strongly and nearly doubled their advantage. Wilfred Ndidi fired a powerful shot that forced a low save from Foba, before Samuel Chukwueze’s follow up effort was also denied. Osimhen later attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick, but the Tanzania goalkeeper gathered comfortably.
The second half began at a frantic pace. Osimhen appeared to score within a minute of the restart after being set up by Akor Adams, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Tanzania stunned Nigeria in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa latched onto a well timed ball over the top, skipped past Nwabali and calmly finished to make it 1-1.
The Super Eagles responded immediately. Just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman produced a moment of quality, cutting inside and unleashing a superb left footed strike from outside the box into the far corner to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Nigeria continued to push forward, with Lookman again testing Foba in the 61st minute after his shot took a deflection. Alex Iwobi also came close in the 67th minute, firing just over the bar after fine work from Moses Simon.
Tanzania threatened late on, capitalising on moments of nervous defending. Kelvin John narrowly missed converting a dangerous move at the far post, while Hamad fired over after a loose clearance from Ndidi fom a corner. However, Nigeria held firm to secure all three points.
The victory maintains Nigeria’s unbeaten record against Tanzania in AFCON history. Their only previous meeting at the finals came in 1980 when Nigeria won 3-1 on home soil before going on to lift their first continental title. Overall, Nigeria remain unbeaten in eight meetings between the sides across all competitions.
The Super Eagles will next face Tunisia on Saturday December 27, while Tanzania turn their attention to a clash against Uganda.
