Nigeria recorded a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their group C opener at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday, as they marked their opening game at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament with a win.
The Super Eagles went into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy and they delivered a statement performance with an impressive performance in the win.
After missing several chances to open the scoring in an entertaining affair, the three-time African champions broke the deadlock late in the half as Semi Ajayi powered home a header from a cross by Alex Iwobi.
Victor Osimhen thought he had made it two early in the second half, but was denied by the offside flag, before Tanzania grabbed the equalizer after the Nigerian defence switched off.
A long ball over the top allowed Charles M’Mombwa to put the ball behind Stanley Nwabali to make the scoreline 1-1.
However, Ademola Lookman scored just two minutes later from another Iwobi assist as Nigeria took the lead once more.
The Super Eagles will now head into their next clash against Tunisia, knowing a win would seal their spot in the next round of the competition.
There were several key talking points from the clash, and in this article, SportPremi highlights four major takeaways from the victory.
1. Iwobi remains Nigeria’s most creative player
Alex Iwobi has often been criticized by Nigerians for his lack of creativity in the midfield, but he showed his quality for the team in the win over Tanzania.
The Fulham midfielder provided the assists for both goals, delivering a brilliant cross for the first and a precise pass into the path of Lookman for the Super Eagles second.
In fact, no player created more chances than the 29-year-old during the clash, as his six chances were the highest, and his all-action display across the pitch rightly earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. Ajayi makes case for center-back position
Ahead of the tournament, the major talking point centered on which of the defenders would partner Calvin Bassey in the heart of the defence.
Benjamin Fredrick, who played for the final rounds of World Cup qualifying had been injured and was out of the squad, while William Troost-Ekong’s retirement had put him out of contention to play in the tournament.
Semi Ajayi played every minute of Nigeria’s run to the final in Ivory Coast in 2023 and started alongside Bassey in the defence against Tanzania.
The 32-year-old proved vital at both ends of the pitch, scoring the Super Eagles’ opener with a powerful header and also providing excellent play at the backline.
If Eric Chelle had any doubts before, they were likely put to rest by the experienced defender’s brilliant performance.
3. Lookman’s timely return to form a boost for Nigeria
Nigeria had mostly relied on the goalscoring exploits of Osimhen during the World Cup qualifiers, with Lookman looking out of form.
However, the winger had rediscovered his impressive form for Atalanta in the buildup to the AFCON tournament and gave a timely reminder of his quality in the clash against Tanzania.
Lookman’s goal was a moment of brilliance as he received the pass from Iwobi and curled an unstoppable effort into the back of the net.
With the 28-year-old back among the goalscorers, it reduces the burden on Osimhen and makes the Super Eagles a major threat to oppositions.
4. Chukwueze must improve on end product
Samuel Chukwueze was a major threat on the flanks for Nigeria against Tanzania and completed the most dribbles in the entire match.
However, the 26-year-old must improve his final ball if he is to make a real impact in attack for the Super Eagles.
The Fulham winger needs to be more decisive in the final third, knowing when to cross or shoot to prevent aimless dribbling.
