Nigeria Edge Tanzania in Thrilling AFCON Opener

Super Eagles Secure Hard-Fought Victory

In a gripping Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener, Nigeria's Super Eagles overcame a resilient Tanzania side with a 2-1 victory in Fez, Morocco. Ademola Lookman's second-half strike proved decisive after William Troost-Ekong's early header was canceled out by Charles M'Mombwa's equalizer. The result leaves Nigeria top of Group C with three points, while Tanzania remains winless in AFCON history but showed significant promise.

Key Moments Define Contested Encounter

The match featured dramatic swings in momentum. Nigeria dominated possession early but struggled to convert chances, with Victor Osimhen looking frustrated throughout. Tanzania, however, grew in confidence after halftime, nearly snatching an equalizer when Kelvin John fired wide from a promising position.

Lookman's Clinical Finish Breaks Tanzanian Hearts

Despite Tanzania's spirited resistance, Nigeria regained the advantage in the 63rd minute. Alex Iwobi's creative play created space for Lookman, who volleyed home after Osimhen's header was parried by goalkeeper Zuberi Foba. The goal showcased Nigeria's ability to capitalize on moments of quality amid a challenging performance.

Tanzania's Historic Fight Raises Hope

For Tanzania, this marked their fourth AFCON appearance and their most competitive yet. Their best chance came in the 89th minute when Ibrahim Hamad missed a golden opportunity from close range, a moment that summed up their tournament-long frustration. Still, the performance suggests they could claim their first ever AFCON win against Tunisia or Uganda.

Chelle Under Scrutiny Despite Victory

Nigeria's manager Eric Chelle faces mounting pressure despite the win. The Nigeria Football Federation has mandated AFCON final qualification, with reports suggesting his job hinges on reaching the latter stages. Substitutions like Moses Simon's introduction added attacking spark, but questions remain about Nigeria's consistency against tougher opposition.

Group Dynamics and What's Next

Nigeria now leads Group C with three points, setting up a crucial clash with Tunisia. Their next test will be replicating their attacking prowess against more organized defenses. For Tanzania, the narrow defeat provides a foundation to build upon as they seek their historic first win in the tournament.

'Plenty to build on for both sides. Nigeria showed championship qualities, while Tanzania proved they belong on this stage.' – Match Analyst Report