Nigeria began their quest for a fourth title at the 2025 African Cup of Nations with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Tanzania in an entertaining affair on Tuesday, SportPremi Reports.
Semi Ajayi, who had been preferred as the center-back pairing for Calvin Bassey, opened the scoring in the first half as the Super Eagles took the lead into the break.
Tanzania hit back early in the second half through M’Mombwa, before Ademola Lookman scored back almost immediately with a stunning strike to put Nigeria back in front.
Nigeria held on to complete a 2-1 victory and stay top of group C ahead of Tunisia’s clash with Uganda later in the day.
First half: Ajayi’s header gives Nigeria deserved first half lead
Nigeria made a ceremonial entry into the Fez Stadium and hoped for a fast start in their tournament opener against Tanzania.
They were off to a good start as Akor Adams had the first glimpse of goal, but was denied by a fine save by Zuberi Foba who raced off his line to make the block.
Adams, in his first AFCON appearance, went close once again in the 10th minute, this time beating Foba, but his header struck the crossbar.
The Super Eagles dominated possession and went close once again through talisman Victor Osimhen, whose strike fizzed wide of the goalpost.
Osimhen was then denied by a goal-line clearance from Mwamnyeto, after the strike’s effort looked set to nestle into the back of the net after he had rounded Foba.
It was proving to be a frustrating night until Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock with a brilliant header from an Alex Iwobi’s cross in the 36th minute following a short corner routine.
Foba then produced two remarkable saves as Nigeria threatened again, first denying the impressive Samuel Chukwueze after a superb solo run, before also saving Osimhen’s rebound as the first half ended 1-0.
Second half: Entertaining second half as Lookman nets winner for Nigeria
Nigeria netted early in the second half through star striker Osimhen, who turned in a low cross into the corner, but his strike was ruled out for offside as he made his run too early.
Tanzania then sent shock waves to the Nigerian camp as they grabbed the equalizer through Charles M’Mombwa, who snuck behind the defence to slot in past Stanley Nwabali in the 50th minute.
The Taifa Stars were only level for two minutes as the Super Eagles went ahead once more in the encounter.
Ademola Lookman proved his quality on the big stage once again with a superb strike from the edge of the area after another assist from the impressive Iwobi.
Iwobi then missed the chance to get on the scoresheet after blazing over from close range, while Osimhen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were denied by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Tanzania almost grabbed an equalizer late in the game as their effort hit the side netting as the Super Eagles sealed a 2-1 victory.
Players Ratings
Nigeria Players Ratings:
- Nwabali – 7.0/10
The Nigerian goalkeeper had a solid performance, making two save, but could do nothing to prevent the Tanzania goal.
- Sanusi – 6.8/10
The left-back was the least effective of the Nigerian defence in the attacking areas and could have done better in preventing the goal as he failed to keep an eye on M’Mombwa.
- Osayi-Samuel – 7.0/10
The right-back boosted his chances at the position with an assured performance in the defence.
- Bassey – 7.5/10
The Fulham defender looked shaky at times, but helped marshal the defence. Bassey also completed the most passes in the match (72).
- Ajayi – 8.2/10
Ajayi was preferred in the center-back role to partner Bassey and proved a great option with a remarkable outing. The Hull City defender won every of his duels in the clash and also opened scoring with a brilliant header.
- Iwobi – 8.8/10
Iwobi enjoyed one of his best performances in a Nigerian jersey and was the major creative spark in the team. He created six chances in total, the most in the clash and provided the assists for both of the Super Eagles’ goals.
- Ndidi – 7.5/10
An assured performance in midfield from the Nigerian captain, who made nine recoveries and two tackles.
- Chukwueze – 7.7/10
Chukwueze was a very bright spark for Nigeria, giving the Tanzanian defenders a horrid time. The winger completed the most dribbles in the match (6) and was denied a goal by a stunning save.
- Lookman – 8.0/10
Ademola Lookman enjoyed his best performance in the Nigerian shirt in a while and scored the winner with a superb curling effort.
- Adams – 7.1/10
His linkup with the midfield was exciting to watch and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet as his header hit the crossbar early in the game.
- Osimhen – 7.4/10
Osimhen will be disappointed not to get on the scoresheet, but was a threat everytime he had the ball. The 26-year-old was denied a goal by the offside flag and had seven shots in total in the game.
Substitutes
- Dele-Bashiru – 6.8/10
He Came on in the second half and was denied a goal by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
- Moses Simon – 6.2/10
Came on in the second half and had a decent shift on the flanks
- Onuachu – N/A
Came on late for Osimhen, but had little time to make an impact on the game.
Man of the match
Alex Iwobi (8.8/10) – The Fulham midfielder enjoyed an impressive outing and created both of Nigeria’s goals in the impressive victory.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Nigeria 51% – 49% Tanzania
Total Shots: Nigeria 21 – 11 Tanzania
Shots on target: Nigeria 11 – 3 Tanzania
Pass Accuracy: Nigeria 89% – 79% Tanzania
Corners: Nigeria 6 – 6 Tanzania
What Next?
Nigeria will now hope to book their spot in the next round of the competition when they face Tunisia in their second group game on the 27th.
Tanzania will also be in action against Uganda on the same day, hoping to secure a win to avoid early elimination from the tournament.
