AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Edge Tanzania in Winning Start

Nigeria opened their 21st Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening.

Playing their 105th match in AFCON history, the Super Eagles asserted early dominance but initially struggled to convert possession into goals. Victor Osimhen came close in the 32nd minute after connecting with an Alex Iwobi pass, but a last-ditch clearance by a Tanzanian defender denied Nigeria an opener.

The breakthrough arrived three minutes later as Semi Ajayi powered home a header from a pinpoint Iwobi cross, giving Nigeria a deserved lead. Iwobi, earning his 92nd international cap, was instrumental throughout the first half, dictating play with a series of incisive passes.

Tanzania had a brief opportunity to respond when Tarryn Allarakhia tested Stanley Nwabali, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was equal to the task. Samuel Chukwueze nearly doubled Nigeria’s advantage in added time, only for his effort to be tipped over the bar.

Watched by just over 11,000 fans under light rain in northern Morocco, Nigeria thought they had extended their lead shortly after the restart, but Osimhen’s back-heeled finish was ruled out for offside.

The Taifa Stars drew level in the 52nd minute when Charles M’Mbombwa fired past Nwabali, despite protests from the Nigerian defence. The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, as Ademola Lookman struck from the edge of the box following another well-weighted pass from Iwobi.

Tanzania pressed for a second equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence—marshalled by Calvin Bassey, Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and captain Wilfred Ndidi—held firm to see out the win.

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The victory takes Nigeria’s total AFCON goals tally to 148. The Super Eagles will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in their next Group fixture on Saturday, again in Fès.