Nigeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Tanzania in Fes, but the performance of the Super Eagles raised as many questions as it provided answers.

Despite boasting a formidable attacking line led by Victor Osimhen, Nigeria struggled to fully assert control. They did take the lead through defender Semi Ajayi, yet familiar defensive issues soon resurfaced. Poor positioning at the back allowed Charles M’Mombwa to find space inside the penalty area, and the Tanzanian forward punished the lapse with a composed finish.

Just two minutes after conceding, Ademola Lookman delivered the decisive moment of quality. The winger struck with precision and confidence, restoring Nigeria’s advantage and ultimately sparing the Super Eagles from an opening-round setback.

The closing stages were tense. A lack of understanding between defender Calvin Bassey and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali nearly proved costly, underlining the fragility of Nigeria’s defence. With William Troost-Ekong absent, the back line looked vulnerable — a worrying sign ahead of a crucial clash with Tunisia.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria - Tanzania 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Ajayi, 36 (1:0); M'Mombwa, 50 (1:1); Lookman, 52 (2:1)

Nigeria: Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel; Sanusi; Ndidi; Ajayi; Bassey; Chukwueze (Simon M., 59); Lookman; Osimhen (Onuachu, 86); Iwobi; Adams Ak. (Dele-Bashiru F., 59)
Substitution: Dele-Bashiru F. (from 59); Simon M. (from 59); Onuachu (from 86)
Bench: Uzoho; Obasogie; Ogbu; Onyemaechi; Awaziem; Alebiosu R.; Nnadi; Onyeka; Onyedika; Akinsanmiro; Dessers; Ejuke
Yellow Cards: Lookman 58

Tanzania: Foba; Hamad; Nondo B.; Hussein M-d; Kapombe (Mnoga, 79); Miroshi; Msanga; M'Mombwa (Kibu, 90); Allarakhia (Job, 79); Samatta; Msuva (John Ke., 62)
Substitution: John Ke. (from 62); Job (from 79); Mnoga (from 79); Kibu (from 90)
Bench: Mwaikenda; Abraham