The Super Eagles of Nigeria started off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night in Fez, showing control, intensity, and resilience despite moments of wastefulness in front of goal.
It was not a perfect display, but it was a winning start that sets the tone for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations journey.
Super Eagles control play but miss cutting edge early
From the opening whistle, the Super Eagles imposed themselves on the game, creating chances, winning second balls, and keeping Tanzania under sustained pressure.
While the scoreline stayed tight, Nigeria’s dominance was clear for long spells of the contest.
Nigeria could have been out of sight before halftime. The Eagles created several clear chances but failed to convert their dominance into goals early on.
Akor Adams tested the Tanzanian goalkeeper before crashing a header off the crossbar from a corner.
Victor Osimhen also went close, with one effort cleared off the line as Nigeria piled on the pressure.
The urgency in the final third, however, often worked against them, with players trying to force moments rather than move the ball patiently. Even Samuel Chukwueze came close.
The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute. From a corner kick, Semi Ajayi rose highest to power home a header from Alex Iwobi’s well-delivered cross, giving Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead at the break.
It was a reward for sustained pressure and set-piece quality.
AFCON opener highlights team shape and individual quality
The second half brought drama. Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead early after the restart, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Just minutes later, Tanzania stunned the Eagles when M’Mombwa produced a fine finish to level the score in the 49th minute.
Nigeria’s response was immediate and confident. In the 52nd minute, Ademola Lookman restored the Eagles’ lead with a stunning strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner.
Once again, Alex Iwobi was involved in the goal. From that point, Nigeria managed the game better.
The Super Eagles defended as a unit, pressed aggressively when possession was lost, and limited Tanzania’s control of the ball till the final whistle.
Key takeaways from Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania
The Super Eagles created plenty of chances but lacked composure in the final third, with several players trying to be the match-winner rather than playing as a unit.
Nigeria’s counter-pressing was effective, as they recovered the ball quickly after losing possession.
Defensive discipline stood out, with the team moving compactly to deny Tanzania space.
Alex Iwobi recorded two assists, putting him among the early assist leaders at AFCON 2025.
Semi Ajayi delivered a commanding display and was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
The Super Eagles may have room to improve, especially in front of goal, but their AFCON 2025 opener showed structure, intensity, and match-winning quality.
A hard-fought win over Tanzania gives Nigeria momentum as they look ahead to tougher tests in the group against Tunisia on Saturday.
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