Nigeria kicked off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 campaign with a nail-biting 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Super Eagles took an early lead through Semi Ajayi, who scored a thumping header in the 36th minute from an Alex Iwobi cross. Ajayi rose highest to nod the ball home after a short corner, capitalizing on a Nigerian attack that had Tanzania's defense scrambling.

The first half had Nigeria dominating scoring chances, with Victor Osimhen testing the Tanzanian goalkeeper on more than one occasion. However, the scoreline remained 1-0 at halftime, with Nigeria looking comfortable in the driver's seat.

In the second half, Nigeria thought they had doubled their lead just 47 seconds in when Osimhen backheeled a cross into the net, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR check. Tanzania capitalized on the momentum shift, equalizing in the 47th minute through Charles M'Mbowa. Novatus Dismas's brilliant lofted ball behind the Nigerian defense picked out M'Mbowa's run, and the midfielder slid in to finish past Stanley Nwabali.

The joy of the equalizer was short-lived, as Ademola Lookman, the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, scored what proved to be the winner in the 48th minute. Lookman unleashed an unstoppable curler from the edge of the box, leaving the Tanzanian goalkeeper with no chance.

Tanzania pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Nigeria held on for the win. Ibrahim Hamad's volley from a poorly defended corner in the 88th minute was wild and wide, denying Tanzania a late equalizer. The win puts Nigeria in a strong position in their AFCON campaign.