The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday defeated Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 2–1 in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Fès, Morocco.
The match, played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, marked Nigeria’s 21st appearance at Africa’s biggest football tournament and their 105th match in the competition.
Nigeria dominated the early stages of the encounter and went close to scoring in the 32nd minute when Victor Osimhen connected with a pass from Alex Iwobi, but a Tanzanian defender cleared the ball off the line.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when defender Semi Ajayi headed home a cross from Iwobi to give the Super Eagles the lead.
Tanzania responded with improved attacking play and tested Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the 41st minute, but he denied Tarryn Allarakhia with a fine save.
Samuel Chukwueze nearly doubled Nigeria’s advantage in added time of the first half, but his effort from close range was tipped over the bar.
Nigeria thought they had increased their lead shortly after the restart through Osimhen, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Taifa Stars drew level in the 52nd minute when Charles M’Mbombwa scored after breaking through Nigeria’s defence.
The Super Eagles restored their lead moments later, as Ademola Lookman scored from the edge of the box following another assist from Iwobi.
Tanzania pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria’s defence, led by Calvin Bassey, Ajayi and captain Wilfred Ndidi, held firm to secure the victory.
The result took Nigeria’s total goals at the Africa Cup of Nations to 148.
Nigeria will face Tunisia in their next Group match on Saturday at the same venue.
