THE Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Fez tonight.
Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman struck for the three-time AFCON champions, with Charles M’Mombwa scoring for the Tanzanians.
Starting off as overwhelming favourites, the Super Eagles were dominant in the first half and could have been two goals up before finally finding the breakthrough.
The lively Akor Adams was heavily involved early on, forcing the Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba into a save in the seventh minute and hitting the crossbar with a header two minutes later.
There were then chances for both sides, with Simon Msuva striking an acrobatic effort straight at Stanley Nwabali before Victor Osimhen’s attempt was cleared off the line after he had rounded Foba.
The opening goal came nine minutes to half-time, Ajayi powering home a header for his second-ever Super Eagles strike off a gorgeous cross from Alex Iwobi.
The first half ended in a frenzy, with the Super Eagles coming desperately close to doubling their lead as Wilfred Ndidi forced Foba into a smart save, Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected close-range effort was tipped over, and Osimhen produced a bicycle kick that was kept out.
The first 10 minutes of the second half witnessed some frenetic action, with two goals scored and one ruled out for offside.
Osimhen thought he had extended the Super Eagles’ lead two minutes in, but a video assistant referee (VAR) check led to his goal getting chalked off for offside.
Tanzania then stunned the Super Eagles with the equaliser just three minutes later, M’Mombwa poking the ball past Nwabali after an excellent team move.
The Taifa Stars were hardly done celebrating when the Super Eagles regained their lead in the 57th minute as Lookman unleashed a rocket past Foba from outside the box.
The game threatened to turn into a goalfest after that second-half opening, but the Super Eagles and Tanzania could not finish their scoring opportunities.
Up next for the Super Eagles is a Group C clash with Tunisia on Saturday, also in Fez.