Nigeria started their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown with a demanding contest against Tanzania, played in rainy conditions in Fes.
Nigeria started their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown with a demanding contest against Tanzania, played in rainy conditions in Fes.
From the opening exchanges, the Super Eagles asserted authority on the ball and pressed high up the pitch, keeping their opponents pinned back for long periods.
Akor Adams came close to rewarding that dominance early on, but Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba reacted sharply on two occasions inside the first 12 minutes to keep the score level.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi met an accurate delivery from Alex Iwobi on the right, steering a glancing header past Foba.
Nigeria continued to threaten before the interval, with Samuel Chukwueze seeing a deflected strike pushed over the crossbar as Tanzania survived to reach halftime only one goal behind.
Tanzania emerged from the dressing room with renewed intent and found an equaliser five minutes into the second half.
Novatus Miroshi sent a high cross in from the left, and Charles M’Mombwa arrived to guide a composed finish beyond the Nigerian defence to make it 1-1.
Moments earlier, Victor Osimhen had briefly thought he had extended Nigeria’s lead, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
The response from Eric Chelle’s side was immediate, restoring their advantage just two minutes after conceding.
Ademola Lookman shifted the ball onto his left foot and unleashed a powerful shot into the top-right corner, a strike that proved decisive.
Nigeria has not claimed the AFCON title since 2013 and arrived in Morocco following a runners-up finish at the previous tournament in Ivory Coast, prompting the launch of a “Naija 4 the Win” campaign by the national federation.
This tournament also follows the setback of failing to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, adding extra significance to each result.
Tanzania showed resilience, with Bakari Mwamnyeto clearing an Osimhen attempt off the line in the first half, but they were unable to find a second equaliser despite improved belief after the restart.
Lookman’s goal was enough to seal the points in front of 11,444 spectators, most of whom celebrated Nigeria’s victory at the final whistle.
The Super Eagles now turn their attention to a Group C meeting with Tunisia in Fes on Saturday, aiming to secure early progression to the last 16.
Tanzania, still searching for a first-ever win at the Afcon finals, will travel to Rabat to face Uganda in an all–East Africa clash.
