AFCON: Lookman seals victory for Eagles in opener

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday.
The match started at a lively pace, with Nigeria taking early control, though Tanzania threatened on several occasions.
The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose highest to head Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross into the back of the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Tanzania responded quickly in the second half.
Just two minutes after the restart, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa capitalized on a loose ball to level the score at 1-1, putting Nigeria under pressure.
However, Nigeria regained the lead in the 55th minute when Ademola Lookman struck a clinical left-footed shot from outside the box to make it 2-1.
The latter stages of the match saw Tanzania press aggressively, but Nigeria defended resolutely.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defenders Bassey and Ajayi made crucial interventions to deny the Taifa Stars further chances.
Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Nigeria held on to claim all three points.
The three points are expected to boost Nigeria’s confidence ahead of their next Group C fixtures against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, and Uganda on Tuesday December 30.