Nigeria began their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title with a hard-fought victory over Tanzania in wet conditions in Fes.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi glanced home a header from Alex Iwobi’s inviting right-wing cross.
Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the first half and went close to doubling their advantage before the break, only for Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected effort to be tipped over the bar by Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
Tanzania responded shortly after the restart, drawing level in the 50th minute as Charles M’Mombwa side-footed in a lofted left-wing delivery from Novatus Miroshi.
Just two minutes later, former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman restored the lead for the West Africans, cleverly shifting the ball from his right to his left before firing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner to secure all three points for Eric Chelle’s side.
Nigeria will now look to seal early qualification for the round of 16 when they face Tunisia in their next Group C fixture in Fes on Saturday, while Tanzania travel to Rabat for an all–East Africa encounter against Uganda.
Nigeria have not lifted the Afcon trophy since 2013 and, after finishing runners-up at the last edition in the Ivory Coast, the country’s football federation launched a campaign dubbed “Naija 4 the Win”.
Yet this year’s finals in Morocco come quickly off the back of the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles dominated possession from the outset, and Akor Adams could have given them a commanding early advantage, but Foba produced two fine saves within the opening 12 minutes to deny the Sevilla forward.
West Brom’s Ajayi finally eased the frustration of Nigerian supporters after a tense opening half-hour with his second international goal. Soon after, Tanzania had Bakari Mwamnyeto to thank for clearing a Victor Osimhen effort off the line.
Tanzania emerged with renewed belief after the break, although Osimhen thought he had extended Nigeria’s lead soon after the restart, only to have his effort ruled out for offside.
Yet, after the East Africans drew level, former England youth international Lookman struck to make it 2-1.
His moment of quality proved enough to seal victory, much to the delight of the majority of the 11,444 fans in attendance.
The Super Eagles will now hope history repeats itself, having beaten Tanzania in their opening match on home soil in 1980 before going on to lift their first-ever continental title, while the East Africans are still awaiting their first victory at the Afcon finals.
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