AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Begin Campaign With Hard-Fought Win Over Tanzania
The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a winning note with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C encounter played on Tuesday.
Nigeria dominated possession in the early stages and were rewarded in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi powered home a header from an Alex Iwobi corner to give the three-time African champions the lead.
The Super Eagles maintained their attacking intent after the restart and briefly thought they had doubled their advantage, but Victor Osimhen’s effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Tanzania responded strongly and drew level in the 50th minute through Charles M’Mombwa, who calmly finished from close range after Nigeria failed to clear their lines.
However, the parity did not last long as Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead just a minute later, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box that beat the Tanzanian goalkeeper to make it 2–1.
The remainder of the game saw Tanzania push for another equaliser, but the Super Eagles defended resolutely, controlling the tempo and seeing out the match to secure all three points.
The victory gives Nigeria a positive start to their AFCON 2025 journey as they look ahead to their next group fixture, while Tanzania will seek to recover in their subsequent matches.