Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in a rain-soaked Group C clash at Fez Stadium on Tuesday night. The Super Eagles, under pressure after recent disappointments, showed resilience and just enough quality to secure all three points.
In the buildup, head coach Éric Chelle had stressed the need for focus and intensity, a message highlighted by SoftFootball ahead of kickoff. Backed by confidence and belief, Nigeria started on the front foot, dominating possession and pinning Tanzania deep. The Taifa Stars defended bravely, but cracks eventually appeared.
Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, powering home a header from an Alex Iwobi cross after sustained pressure. Victor Osimhen had earlier been denied by a goal-line clearance and a tight offside call, moments that reflected Nigeria’s mix of threat and frustration.
Tanzania stunned Nigeria shortly after the restart when Charles M’Mombwa volleyed home from a quick counterattack to level the score. For a brief spell, nerves crept in. But the response was instant and emphatic.
Just two minutes later, Ademola Lookman produced a moment of magic, curling a superb left-footed strike from outside the box into the top corner. It was the kind of goal that changes games and moods at once.
Nigeria should have put the contest to bed, yet wastefulness kept Tanzania alive. Ibrahim Hamad missed a golden chance late on, blasting over from close range as the Eagles clung on. Substitutions from Chelle helped slow the tempo, with Paul Onuachu brought on to manage the closing stages.
Semi Ajayi was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match in a post shared by their official X account, as the Hull City defender delivered a commanding performance at Fez Stadium in Morocco, scoring the opening goal and anchoring Nigeria’s defence throughout the match.
The win extends Nigeria’s unbeaten record against Tanzania to nine matches and provides a steady, if imperfect, start to their AFCON journey. With belief already buzzing among fans and even celebrity backing noted by SoftFootball before kickoff, the Super Eagles will hope this result is a platform, not just a relief.
