Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 win against Tanzania in Morocco, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record to nine matches. The Super Eagles, looking to recover from their failure to qualify for the World Cup finals last month, controlled much of the contest under manager Éric Chelle.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before half-time, heading home Alex Iwobi’s cross at the far post after Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba had made several saves to keep his side level. Victor Osimhen had earlier been denied by a goal-line clearance from Bakari Mwamnyeto, whilst Akor Adams struck the crossbar with a close-range header.
Tanzania equalised five minutes after the interval when Charles M’Mombwa finished a volley from Novatus Miroshi’s cross, but Nigeria responded within two minutes. Ademola Lookman created space on the edge of the penalty area and fired a fine shot into the far corner to restore his team’s advantage.
The Super Eagles pressed for a third goal during the final half-hour, with Foba denying Lookman’s deflected attempt and making a smart save from Osimhen’s low drive. Iwobi also fired narrowly over from inside the box, but Nigeria were unable to extend their lead despite creating numerous opportunities.
Tanzania threatened late when Ibrahim Hamad missed a clear chance from close range, blazing over when well placed. That proved to be the final opportunity of note, and Nigeria held on to claim all three points in the Group C opener.
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