Video: Super Eagles soar in rain-soaked thriller as Lookman strikes secure win over Tanzania

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday evening at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, shrugging off rainy conditions and a spirited comeback to claim all three points in Group C.

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Video: Super Eagles soar in rain-soaked thriller as Lookman strikes secure win over Tanzania Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday evening at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, shrugging off rainy conditions and a spirited comeback to claim all three points in Group C. The three-time champions dominated possession in the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home Alex Iwobi’s precise free-kick. Tanzania, making their second straight AFCON appearance and chasing a maiden tournament win, responded with resilience just five minutes into the second half. Charles M’Mombwa latched onto a loose ball and fired a first-time finish past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to level the scores at 1-1. Ademola Lookman, hailed as the match hero, restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a stunning long-range strike that curled into the top corner, leaving Tanzania’s defense stunned. The Taifa Stars pushed hard late on, with Ibrahim Hamad missing a golden close-range chance, but the Super Eagles’ backline held firm amid mounting pressure and slippery pitches. Nigeria’s win provides crucial momentum after their heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, positioning them atop a tough group featuring Tunisia and Uganda. Standout performers included Lookman for his decisive goal and Ajayi for his aerial prowess, while Tanzania coach Etienne Bito’o praised his side’s plucky display despite restricting the Eagles to few clear opportunities. This result marks a strong start for the 2023 runners-up as they aim to reclaim AFCON glory in Morocco.

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Video: Super Eagles soar in rain-soaked thriller as Lookman strikes secure win over Tanzania

The three-time champions dominated possession in the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home Alex Iwobi’s precise free-kick. Tanzania, making their second straight AFCON appearance and chasing a maiden tournament win, responded with resilience just five minutes into the second half.

Charles M’Mombwa latched onto a loose ball and fired a first-time finish past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to level the scores at 1-1.

Ademola Lookman, hailed as the match hero, restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a stunning long-range strike that curled into the top corner, leaving Tanzania’s defense stunned.

The Taifa Stars pushed hard late on, with Ibrahim Hamad missing a golden close-range chance, but the Super Eagles’ backline held firm amid mounting pressure and slippery pitches.

Nigeria’s win provides crucial momentum after their heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, positioning them atop a tough group featuring Tunisia and Uganda.

Standout performers included Lookman for his decisive goal and Ajayi for his aerial prowess, while Tanzania coach Etienne Bito’o praised his side’s plucky display despite restricting the Eagles to few clear opportunities.

This result marks a strong start for the 2023 runners-up as they aim to reclaim AFCON glory in Morocco.