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Nigeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over a spirited Tanzania in their Group C opener in Fes, Morocco, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The Super Eagles took control midway through the first half when Semi Ajayi rose highest to power home Alex Iwobi’s inviting cross in the 36th minute. Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage moments after the restart, only for Victor Osimhen’s close-range effort to be correctly ruled out for offside.
Tanzania refused to wilt and were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Charles M’Mombwa struck a crisp first-time finish to draw his side level. Their joy, however, was short-lived. Within seconds of the restart, Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead with a sharp effort from outside the box, reasserting the Super Eagles’ dominance.
Despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria arrived in Morocco among the leading contenders for the title and delivered the ideal start to their campaign with this composed performance.
Group C is now fully in progress, with the remaining two teams set to face off later today. Attention then turns to the second round of fixtures on Saturday, when Tanzania return to action against Uganda in Rabat in the evening.
Nigeria will be back on the pitch later that night in Fes, taking on Tunisia at 8pm GMT (3pm ET), in what promises to be a decisive group encounter.
The victory also strengthened Nigeria’s impressive AFCON pedigree. The Super Eagles have now won 14 of their 21 opening matches at the finals, drawing two and losing five. They were unbeaten in their last four tournament openers and have claimed victory in 11 of their last 15 group-stage matches.
