Nigeria’s Super Eagles made a perfect start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday in Fes, Morocco.
A goal in either half from defender Samuel Bright Ajayi and Ademola Lookman ensured Nigeria cruised to a 2-1 victory despite Kokola M’Mombwa pulling one back for Tanzania.
Under constant rains at Complexe Sportif de Morocco, Nigeria who reached the final in the previous edition made their intentions clear, dominating proceeding from onset.
A star studded team led by striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria made several attacks as they searched for an early lead.
For Tanzania, coach Miguel Angel Gamondi went into the game missing his first choice goalkeeper Yakoub Suileman, midfielder Feisal Salum alias Feitoto and forward Selemani Mwalimu.
Nigeria after several inroads eventually found the outlet in the 36th minute with Ajayi heading home from Alex Iwobi’s pin pointed cross into the box.
Tanzania levelled matters five minutes into the second half with M’Mombwa scoring but Nigeria were able to regain their lead two minute later through Lookman.
Tanzania had a couple of big chances to equalise again but could not capitalise, with Calvin Bassey getting a vital touch on Mohamed Hussein’s inviting delivery across the face of goal, before Ibrahim Hamad fired into the side netting.
The result mean Nigeria set the pace in Group C ahead of their next game Tunisia on Saturday. On the other hand, Tanzania’s search for the elusive win at AFCON stretches to ten games.