AFCON 2025: Lookman strike seals Nigeria's victory over Tanzania - but are the Super Eagles really title-ready?
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Super Eagles unimpressive against Taifa Stars in AFCON 2025 opener
Nigeria confirmed our AFCON 2025 predictions by securing a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the competition at the Fez Stadium in Morocco on Tuesday evening. The result takes the Super Eagles to the top of Group C before Tunisia face Uganda in Rabat later tonight.
Eric Chelle’s side dominated the early exchanges and, after squandering a handful of presentable opportunities, took the lead in the 36th minute thanks to a towering header from Hull City’s Semi Ajayi, who was later presented with the Player of the Match award.
After a Victor Osimhen goal was ruled out for offside by VAR in the first minute of the second half, the Taifa Stars began to grow into the contest and levelled proceedings in the 50th minute through Charles M’Mombwa, who plays for Maltese Premier League side Floriana.
Unfortunately for Tanzania, they were only able to keep matters level for 90 seconds before Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman created a bit of space for himself on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a ferocious left-footed strike beyond a helpless Zuberi Foba.
Despite going a goal behind (again), Miguel Gamondi’s side refused to throw in the towel and were arguably the better team over the final quarter of the match. The Taifa Stars even had an excellent opportunity to peg the Super Eagles back in the final moments of the match, but squandered the opportunity.
Osimhen flops, Iwobi, Lookman, shine as Super Eagles go top of Group C
While it may only have been the first match and a little premature to make any definitive predictions, many who watched the clash this evening will likely agree that Nigeria’s performance against Tanzania does not inspire much hope in their chances of winning the title this year.
Facing the Taifa Stars was widely expected to be the Super Eagles' easiest match in Group C, yet they failed to impose themselves in the second half, and in truth, were hoping for the final whistle to blast as Tanzania pushed for an equaliser late on.
One of the biggest disappointments for Nigeria was the performance of Victor Osimhen, who, aside from sticking the ball in the back of the net from an offside position early in the second half, wasted several good opportunities and looked out of sync with the rest of the team.
On the positive, though, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi had an outstanding game for the Super Eagles, as he continuously pulled the strings in the centre of the park, created space for players around him, and set up Ajayi for the team’s opening goal.
Lookman, on the other hand, was Nigeria’s best attacker on the night. The former Leicester City man was the team’s top scorer at AFCON 2023 with three goals, and not only scored what turned out to be the winner, but was also at the heart of almost every meaningful attack for his side.
