Nigeria vs Tanzania: Lookman's star power lifts shaky Super Eagles to victory

Super Eagles icon Ademola Lookman proved his star power, leading Nigeria to a 2-1 win over minnows Tanzania in their first game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2024 CAF African Player of the year scored Nigeria's winner after Semi Ajayi's opener had been ruled out by a Tanzanian equaliser.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles asserted control from the outset, creating early chances through Akor Adams, whose angled strike was saved before he headed against the crossbar from close range.

Tanzania responded briefly when Simon Msuva tested Stanley Nwabali with an acrobatic effort, while Victor Osimhen came close at the other end but saw his attempt cleared off the line. Nigeria’s pressure eventually told, as Semi Ajayi headed home Alex Iwobi’s inviting corner to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.

The West Africans pushed for a second before the break, with Zuberi Foba producing key saves to deny Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze.

Those interventions proved vital as Tanzania equalised shortly after half-time, Charles M’Mombwa volleying home unmarked from Novatus Miroshi’s cross.

Nigeria responded almost immediately, restoring their advantage through Ademola Lookman, who created space on the edge of the box before curling a superb finish into the far corner.

The Super Eagles continued to dominate, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close as Foba remained busy in goal.

Tanzania had one late opportunity to snatch a point, but Ibrahim Hamad fired over from close range.

Nigeria held their composure in the closing moments to secure a hard-fought victory and begin their Group C campaign on a winning note.