Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with more resolve than rhythm, grinding out a 2–1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday night in Fes — a result that delivered three points, early belief, and an immediate reminder that nothing comes easy on the continental stage.
From kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Nigeria asserted control, dictating possession and probing patiently, yet Tanzania’s willingness to break quickly ensured the match never settled into comfort for the Super Eagles. For all Nigeria’s territorial dominance, the breakthrough arrived not through sustained pressure but from a moment of precision.
In the 36th minute, Alex Iwobi floated a measured cross into the box, where Semi Ajayi rose above his markers to power a header past the Tanzanian goalkeeper. It was a defender’s goal, but one that underlined Nigeria’s aerial threat and sent the Super Eagles into half-time with a deserved 1–0 lead.
That control, however, evaporated almost immediately after the restart.
Barely two minutes into the second half, Tanzania pounced on defensive hesitation. Charles M’Mombwa reacted quickest to a loose ball in midfield and drove forward before firing home to draw the Taifa Stars level at 1–1. Suddenly, Nigeria were rattled, and the match tilted into uncertainty.
The response, though, revealed Nigeria’s depth and composure.
In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman collected possession outside the box and unleashed a confident left-footed strike that beat the goalkeeper cleanly. It was a goal of authority — decisive, instinctive, and timely — restoring Nigeria’s lead and steadying nerves on the bench and in the stands.
From there, the contest became a test of character rather than flair. Tanzania pushed aggressively in search of another equaliser, forcing Nigeria into a more defensive posture. Goalkeeper Daniel Nwabali stood firm, while Calvin Bassey and Ajayi delivered crucial interventions, blocking shots and clearing danger as the Taifa Stars pressed late.
Nigeria bent, but did not break.
At the final whistle, the Super Eagles emerged with a narrow but valuable victory — a reminder that tournament football rewards resilience as much as brilliance.
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Elsewhere in Group C, Tunisia sent an early warning to their rivals. Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring before Elias Achouri struck twice in a rain-soaked 3–1 win over Uganda in Rabat, with Denis Omedi grabbing a late consolation. The result places Tunisia top of the group on goal difference, ahead of Nigeria.
For the Super Eagles, the opening night has delivered both confidence and caution. The victory sets a positive tone, but the defensive lapses and spells of pressure will demand attention ahead of tougher tests.
Next comes Tunisia on Saturday, December 27 — a clash likely to define Group C — followed by Uganda on December 30. Nigeria have started their AFCON journey with a win. Whether that journey gathers momentum or demands another survival act will soon be revealed.
