Nigeria’s Super Eagles narrowly survived a second-half scare to overcome Tanzanian national team in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener on Tuesday as they look to put their World Cup qualifying woes behind them.
A perfect header from Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock between the two teams nine minutes before half-time, the Hull City centre-back finding the target after Nigeria’s strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams saw chances go begging.
Tanzania then drew level after the break through Charles M’Mombwa before Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead just two minutes later with a monumental strike into the top corner of Tanzania’s net.
The Super Eagles, who came so close last time out in the 2-1 final defeat to Ivory Coast, almost conceded another equaliser close to the final whistle as Ibrahim Hamad sliced his volley over from close range.
Eric Chelle’s side however were able to see out the result in Fes to get their Afcon campaign off to a winning start.
Photo: (AFP via Getty Images)