Nations Cup: Lookman Leads Super Eagles To Tanzania Victory

The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a 2-1 win over Tanzania to start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on a victorious note at the Stade Foot Fès Stadium in Morocco.

Eric Chelle opted for a familiar lineup with Stanley Nwabali in goal, and the quartet of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi in front of him.

In the midfield, Captain Wilfred Ndidi led the way alongside Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams, while Victor Osimhen led the line, ably supported by Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Akor Adams was presented with Nigeria’s first bug chance but his effort was saved by the Tanzania goalkeeper in the ninth minute.

Tanzania responded with their own chance five minutes later as Simon Msuva’s bicycle kick effort was comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.

Victor Osimhen thought he had given the Super Eagles the lead after rounding the Tanzania goalkeeper only for his effort to be cleared off the line in the 30th minute.

Six minutes later, Eric Chelle-led side broke the deadlock thanks to Semi Ajayi, who delivered a powerful header from an Alex Iwobi’s cross to make it 1-0.

Both sides failed to score at the end of the first half as the Super Eagles took a deserved lead into the break.

Tanzania came out with intent and purpose in the second half, and their resolve was rewarded in the 50th minute as Kokola M’mombwa beats the offside trap to make it 1-1.

Two minutes later, Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead with a powerful left-footed strike to make it 2-1.

Alex Iwobi provided the two assists for the goals against Tanzania to further establish his importance to the team.

The Super Eagles held on to grab the maximum points ahead of their second game against Tunisia on Saturday.

In the other games on Tuesday, DR Congo defeated Benin Republic 1-0, and Senegal recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Botswana thanks to a brace from Nicolas Jackson, and a late goal by Cherif Ndiaye.