AFCON 2025: Lookman’s Wonder Goal Seals Super Eagles’ 2-1 Win Over Tanzania

AFCON 2025: Lookman’s Wonder Goal Seals Super Eagles’ 2-1 Win Over Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco, on Tuesday.

Nigeria started the encounter brightly, dictating the tempo and creating early chances, but Tanzania remained dangerous on the counter and tested the Super Eagles’ backline on several occasions.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi powered home a header from Alex Iwobi’s inviting cross, handing Nigeria a deserved 1-0 halftime lead.

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Tanzania drew level shortly after the restart, as midfielder Charles M’Mombwa pounced on a defensive lapse in the 50th minute to make it 1-1, briefly swinging momentum in favour of the East Africans.

The Super Eagles, however, responded in emphatic fashion. In the 55th minute, winger Ademola Lookman produced a moment of brilliance, firing a superb left-footed strike from outside the box to restore Nigeria’s lead and ultimately seal the win.

Despite late pressure from Tanzania, Nigeria held firm to secure all three points and extend their strong tradition of positive starts at the Africa Cup of Nations. The victory means Nigeria have now won 14 of their 21 opening AFCON matches and remain unbeaten in their opening games at the last four tournaments. The Super Eagles have also won 11 of their last 15 group-stage matches, underlining their pedigree on the continental stage.

The result provides a confidence boost as Nigeria look to build momentum in Group C, with tougher fixtures ahead as the race for qualification to the knockout stage intensifies.