Nigeria kicked off their fight for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title with a hard-fought triumph over Tanzania under the rain in their Group C opener in Fes on Tuesday 23 December, 2025.
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles went in front in the 36th minute through defender Semi Ajayi’s header from Alex Iwobi’s fine right-wing cross.
The West African side were enormously in control in the first 45 minutes and were almost two (2) goals before the break, but, Fulham right winger, Samuel Chukwueze’s deflected effort got tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Zuberi Foba of Tanzania.
And just five (5) minutes into the second half, the Taifa Stars levelled through Charles M’Mombwa from Novatus Miroshi’s assist.
But, the leveller infuriated the Super Eagles, who went in front again in the 52nd minute through former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman after beautifully moving the ball from his right to his left before firing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner to secure maximum points for Nigeria at Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Chelle will now guide Nigeria against Tunisia in their next Group C encounter for an early qualification to the knockout round of the tournament in Fes on Saturday while Tanzania travel to Rabat for an all–East Africa encounter against Uganda.
Result:
| Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Group Stage – Tuesday 23 December, 2025 |
| Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania |
| Tunisia 3-1 Uganda |
| DR Congo 1-0 Benin |
| Senegal 3-0 Botswana |
Photo: Semi Ajayi celebrate with teammates after scoring for Nigeria in AFCON 2025 Group C opener against Tanzania | Getty Images
