A dominant, if profligate, Nigeria side began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in a Group C encounter on Tuesday.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured all three points for the Super Eagles in Fez, Morocco. The West Bromwich Albion defender rose highest to power home an Alex Iwobi cross in the 37th minute, giving Nigeria the lead. Lookman restored the advantage in the 52nd minute after Tanzania had briefly drawn level.

Nigeria, still recovering from their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, controlled the early exchanges. Sevilla forward Akor Adams struck the woodwork within the first ten minutes, while Victor Osimhen saw a later effort cleared off the line. The Super Eagles entered half-time with a 1-0 lead.

The East Africans capitalised on defensive slackness to equalise in the 50th minute through William M’Mombwa. Nigeria’s response was swift, however, with Atalanta’s Lookman firing home from close range just two minutes later to retake the lead.

Head coach, Finidi George, introduced veteran winger Moses Simon for Adams in search of a wider margin ahead of Saturday’s pivotal match against Tunisia. Tanzania squandered a late chance to equalise when a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to make contact.

With three points secured, the Super Eagles now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. A victory would guarantee their progression to the tournament’s round of 16.