Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, weathering a spirited second-half fightback from their East African opponents.
The three-time African champions demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive resilience in a match that saw them dominate early proceedings before being tested by a determined Tanzanian side that refused to capitulate.
The Super Eagles stamped their authority on the contest from the opening whistle, controlling possession and creating several promising opportunities. Their patience was rewarded in the 36th minute when West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi rose unmarked to power home a header from Alex Iwobi’s perfectly weighted cross, giving Nigeria a 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.
According to match reports from the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Nigeria’s midfield trio controlled the tempo throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Fulham’s Iwobi pulling the strings from his advanced position. Tanzania, despite showing occasional flashes of counter-attacking intent, struggled to contain Nigeria’s movement and technical superiority during the first half.
The script changed dramatically after the break. Tanzania emerged with renewed vigour and purpose, and their determination paid immediate dividends. Just two minutes into the second half, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa pounced on a defensive error to restore parity at 1-1, silencing Nigerian celebrations and injecting fresh belief into the Taifa Stars’ ranks.
The equaliser marked a turning point in the contest, with Tanzania suddenly matching Nigeria’s intensity and threatening to claim what would have been a memorable upset. The goal exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Nigeria’s coaching staff will undoubtedly address before their next fixture.\
Nigeria’s response to adversity came swiftly. In the 55th minute, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman produced a moment of individual brilliance, striking a precise left-footed effort from outside the penalty area that flew past Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba. The goal, Lookman’s contribution following an impressive Serie A season, restored Nigeria’s advantage and ultimately proved decisive.
Lookman’s strike showcased the quality that has made him one of Europe’s most improved attackers this season. His ability to create and convert chances from distance provided Nigeria with the cutting edge they needed during a challenging phase of the match.
The final 35 minutes tested Nigeria’s resolve as Tanzania mounted sustained pressure in search of another equaliser. Goalkeeper Daniel Nwabali, making his competitive tournament debut, produced several crucial saves to preserve Nigeria’s slender advantage. The defensive partnership of Calvin Bassey and match-winner Ajayi worked tirelessly to repel Tanzania’s increasingly direct approach.
According to post-match statistics, Tanzania registered six shots on target during the second half, forcing Nigeria into desperate defending during the closing stages. The Super Eagles’ ability to withstand this pressure whilst maintaining their shape demonstrated the mental fortitude that could prove vital as the tournament progresses.
The victory places Nigeria atop Group C ahead of Tunisia and Uganda’s encounter scheduled for later on Tuesday evening. The three points represent a solid foundation, though the performance highlighted areas requiring improvement before Nigeria face more established opposition.
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Nigeria’s remaining Group C fixtures see them face Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before concluding their group campaign against Uganda on Tuesday, 30th December. Both matches will take place in Morocco as the North African nation hosts the continental championship.
Tanzania, despite the defeat, demonstrated qualities that suggest they remain capable of causing problems for other Group C competitors. Their second-half performance, particularly M’Mombwa’s opportunistic finishing and their collective work rate, earned respect even in defeat.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations marks another chapter in Nigeria’s storied tournament history. The Super Eagles have won the continental championship on three occasions—1980, 1994, and 2013—but have endured a frustrating 12-year wait to reclaim the title.
Nigeria arrived in Morocco among the favourites, boasting a squad featuring players from Europe’s top leagues. The blend of experience, represented by players like Iwobi and Ajayi, alongside emerging talents such as Lookman, has generated considerable optimism amongst Nigerian supporters.
However, Tuesday’s narrow victory serves as a reminder that no fixture at this level can be taken lightly. Tanzania’s spirited display underlined the competitive nature of modern African football, where traditional powerhouses can no longer rely solely on reputation.
Nigeria’s first-half dominance suggested a team comfortable in possession and capable of breaking down organised defences. Yet the second-half wobble, triggered by Tanzania’s equaliser, revealed concerning fragilities that could be exploited by more clinical opponents.
The defensive lapse leading to M’Mombwa’s goal will particularly concern Nigeria’s technical staff. At tournament level, such errors are rarely forgiven, and sterner tests await against Tunisia’s tactically sophisticated side and Uganda’s physical approach.
