- Lookman strike secures Nigeria hard-fought win over resilient Tanzania in the AFCON 2025 opener on Tuesday, December 23.
- Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria in front from Alex Iwobi’s cross (36′).
- Charles M’Mombwa leveled for Tanzania from Novatus Miroshi’s delivery (50′).
Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a brave Tanzania side, a result that underlined both the Super Eagles’ quality and the challenge that awaits them in the rest of the tournament.
Played at a high tempo from the opening whistle, the contest delivered intensity, moments of quality and a reminder that no game at this level comes easy.
From the outset, Nigeria looked keen to stamp their authority. Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams were lively in the early exchanges, stretching the Tanzanian defence and forcing goalkeeper Zuberi Foba into a series of sharp saves.
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Lookman strike secures Nigeria hard-fought win over resilient Tanzania
Victor Osimhen, starting his AFCON campaign with typical energy, led the line aggressively, constantly occupying defenders, drawing fouls and creating space for runners from midfield.
Ademola Lookman, drifting inside from the flank, also posed a persistent threat with his direct running and clever movement between the lines.
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Despite Nigeria’s early dominance, Tanzania refused to be overrun.
They remained organised and dangerous on the counter, with experienced attackers Simon Msuva and captain Mbwana Samatta asking questions of Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Their willingness to play forward ensured Nigeria stayed alert at the back.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 36th minute and it was no more than Nigeria deserved. From a well-worked corner, Alex Iwobi delivered an inviting cross into the box and Semi Ajayi rose highest, completely unmarked, to power a header into the bottom corner.
The goal lifted the Super Eagles, who pushed hard for a second before the break. Akor Adams struck the crossbar, while Foba continued to frustrate Nigeria with several fine stops, ensuring Tanzania went into half-time still very much in the contest.
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The second half began in dramatic fashion. Just five minutes after the restart, Tanzania stunned Nigeria with a swift attacking move down the right.
Novatus Miroshi’s cross caused problems in the box and Charles M’Mombwa reacted quickest, finishing from close range to make it 1–1 and briefly swing momentum in Tanzania’s favour.
Nigeria, however, showed maturity and composure in their response. Barely minutes later, Lookman produced the moment of quality that ultimately decided the match.
Picking up a pass from Iwobi on the edge of the area, the forward shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a precise effort into the bottom corner, leaving Foba with no chance.
The remainder of the match was played at a relentless pace.
Nigeria searched for a third goal through Osimhen, Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but wasteful finishing and more goalkeeping heroics from Foba kept the scoreline tight.
Tanzania, to their credit, continued to press and threaten on the break, ensuring a nervy finish for the Super Eagles.
In the end, Nigeria’s superior quality in key moments made the difference. The victory gives them a valuable three points to start their AFCON journey, while Tanzania will take encouragement from a performance that showed courage, organisation and belief against one of the tournament favourites.