The Super Eagles defeated Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 2-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Group C opener on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.

The game started quickly, with Nigeria taking early control, but Tanzania threatened on several occasions.

The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi climbed highest to head Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross into the net, giving the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Tanzania responded quickly in the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa seized on a loose ball to tie the game at 1-1, putting Nigeria under pressure.

Nigeria reclaimed the lead in the 55th minute, when Ademola Lookman scored with a brilliant left-footed drive from outside the box to make it 2-1.