AFCON 2025: Lookman stunner seal Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C

Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener, extending their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Taifa Stars to nine matches.

After failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles arrived in Morocco under pressure to deliver a strong response. Éric Chelle’s side started on the front foot, with Akor Adams forcing an early save from Zuberi Foba before heading against the crossbar from close range.

Tanzania threatened briefly through Simon Msuva, whose acrobatic effort was comfortably dealt with by Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria continued to press and went close when Victor Osimhen rounded Foba, only for Bakari Mwamnyeto to clear the striker’s effort off the line. The breakthrough soon followed from the resulting corner, as Semi Ajayi glanced Alex Iwobi’s inswinging delivery into the far corner.

Nigeria pushed for a second before the break, but Foba produced back-to-back saves to deny Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, keeping Tanzania in the contest at halftime.

The Taifa Stars equalised five minutes after the restart when Novatus Miroshi’s cross found Charles M’Mombwa unmarked, and the midfielder volleyed past Nwabali. The response from the Super Eagles was immediate, with Ademola Lookman creating space on the edge of the area before curling a fine effort into the far corner to restore Nigeria’s lead.

Chelle’s side continued to create chances as Lookman saw a deflected shot pushed over the bar, while Alex Iwobi fired narrowly wide and Osimhen was denied by another sharp save from Foba. Tanzania pressed for a late equaliser and nearly found it when Ibrahim Hamad blazed over from close range, but Nigeria held on to secure all three points.

The result gives the Super Eagles a winning start in Group C as they look to build momentum in Morocco