By Ben Efe 23.12.2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles made a bright start to their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a routine 2-1 win over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars Tuesday in Fez Morocco.
Semi Ajayi headed in the first goal from a perfect ball floated in by Alex Iwobi in the 36th minute in a first half the three-time AFCON champions had ball possession, but the passes and the movements were not so fluid giving Tanzania some respite.
At the start of the second half striker Victor Osimhen guided in cross from Ademola Lookman, but it was ruled offside, shortly afterward the Taifa Stars poured forward; and were instantly rewarded with a goal scored by Charles M’Mombwa. The assault on goal by the Tanzanians clearly exposed the fragility of the Super Eagles in the rear.
A brilliant ball from Novatus Dismas lofted behind the Super Eagles defence picked up M’Mbowa’s run, the midfielder sliding in to finish past Stanley Nwabali.
Lookman however, restored confidence for Nigeria, he reminded fans of the quality that made him the African Best player for 2024 with a well taken goal from outside the box after creating space for himself.
Tanzania rallied to try scrape for a point and came close with two minutes left but Ibrahim Hamad’s volley from a poorly defended corner at close range was wild and wide.
The true test of intention comes for the Super Eagles when they face Tunisia on Saturday December 27.