Wasteful Nigeria edge past Tanzania to make winning start to AFCON 2025

Nigeria seal a 2-1 win against a plucky Tanzania to open their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 account with a win in Fez.Published On 23 Dec 2025Ademola Lookman has secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created on Tuesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4From Salah to Hakimi: Top-10 players to watch at AFCON 2025list 2 of 4Liverpool’s Isak faces two months out after ‘reckless’ tackle: Slotlist 3 of 4Yamal, Raphinha score as Barcelona win at Villarreallist 4 of 4Jake Paul says jaw broken as Anthony Joshua knocks him out in sixth roundend of listStar striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.Nigerian centre half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.The first half followed a predictable pattern with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up the pressure as they sought a first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances.Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams.From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar.The East Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes with an acrobatic shot from Saimon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.As rain began to fall in Fez, Nigerian frustrations surfaced with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.Nigeria’s forward Victor Osimhen during the Africa Cup of Nations match against Tanzania [Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP]Osimhen then became the focal point of the Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo.