Nigeria claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès as both sides delivered an intense tactical battle on Matchday action at TotalE gins African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
The Super Eagles, set up in a 4-3-1-2, started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home from an Alex Iwobi corner, giving Nigeria a deserved first-half lead.
Tanzania, lining up in a 4-2-3-1, responded strongly after the break. Just five minutes into the second half, Charles M’Mombwa capitalised on close-range chaos to level the score at 1–1, briefly swinging momentum Tanzania’s way.
Nigeria, however, showed their quality almost immediately. In the 52nd minute, Ademola Lookman struck a superb left-footed effort from outside the box, again assisted by Iwobi, restoring Nigeria’s lead at 2–1.
The remainder of the match saw Tanzania push for an equaliser, winning several corners and free kicks, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Calvin Bassey and Wilfred Ndidi, held firm. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made key interventions as the Super Eagles managed the closing stages professionally.
Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Nigeria saw out the three added minutes to secure all three points and make a positive statement in their AFCON 2025 campaign.
Final Score: Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
Goals: Ajayi (36’), Lookman (52’) — M’Mombwa (50’)
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco