Ademola Lookman’s key goal helped Nigeria start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 win against Tanzania in Group C at Fes.
The Super Eagles, aiming for a fourth continental title, took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi headed in Alex Iwobi’s cross past goalkeeper Zuberi Foba. Nigeria controlled the first half and almost scored again before halftime, but Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected shot was pushed over by Foba.
Tanzania responded early in the second half when Charles M’Mombwa scored from Novatus Miroshi’s high pass in the 50th minute to tie the game. But just two minutes later, Lookman put Nigeria back in front with a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, securing the win. A pressed for a third, with Victor Osimhen denied by a goal-line clearance and later seeing an effort ruled out for offside. Tanzania showed resilience but could not find a way past the Nigerian defence, leaving the majority of the 11,444 spectators celebrating the Super Eagles’ hard-fought triumph.
The victory sets up Nigeria’s next clash against Tunisia. With this win, Nigeria will face Tunisia in Fes on Saturday, hoping to qualify early for the round of 16. Tanzania will travel to Rabat for an East African derby against Uganda.3 They were runners-up at the previous edition in the Ivory Coast. The current campaign, branded “Naija 4 the Win” by the football federation, comes on the heels of the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
Lookman’s goal gave the Super Eagles three points and brought back memories of their 1980 win, when they beat Tanzania in their first game and went on to win their first continental title. Tanzania, still looking for their first Afcon win, will hope for better results next time.
