Alex Iwobi delivered two assists as Nigeria opened their Group C Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, Morocco.
The Super Eagles dominated possession and chances for long spells and were ultimately rewarded, despite a brief second-half scare, thanks to Ademola Lookman’s decisive strike from the edge of the area.
Nigeria started on the front foot, controlling the tempo with neat passing through midfield and creating early openings. Akor Adams struck the crossbar from a corner inside the opening 15 minutes, while Victor Osimhen forced saves from Zuberi Foba with efforts from range and inside the box.
Tanzania threatened sporadically on the counter, with Stanley Nwabali called into action to deny Simon Msuva and Tarryn Allarakhia, but Nigeria’s pressure continued to build.
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi, pulling the strings in midfield, delivered a perfectly weighted lofted cross into the penalty area and Semi Ajayi rose highest to head past Foba and give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Osimhen thought he had doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, but celebrations were cut short when the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Tanzania took full advantage of the reprieve. In the 50th minute, Charles M’Mombwa reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and fired a first-time effort inside the left post to level the score and briefly silence the Nigerian support.
Alex Iwobi put up a masterclass in midfield. Photo Credit: CAF
Nigeria responded immediately with renewed urgency. Moses Simon released Iwobi clean through on goal, but the midfielder lifted his effort over the bar when well placed.
The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute. Once again, Iwobi was central to the move, feeding Ademola Lookman on the edge of the box. The forward weaved past his marker and curled a superb right-footed finish inside the post, leaving Foba with no chance and restoring Nigeria’s lead.
Head coach Eric Chelle moved to consolidate his side’s control just before the hour mark, introducing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 59th minute. Dele-Bashiru made an immediate impact after coming on, forcing an excellent save from Foba and adding energy to Nigeria’s midfield as Tanzania searched for another equaliser.
Semi Ajayi won the MVP award. Photo Credit: CAF
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Lookman, Moses Simon and Dele-Bashiru all going close, while Osimhen was replaced by Paul Onuachu late on as the Super Eagles looked to manage the closing stages.
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Tanzania pushed forward in the final minutes and threatened through Ibrahim Hamad and Kelvin John, but Nigeria’s defence held firm, with Nwabali largely untroubled during the closing spell.
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Nigeria secured a valuable opening win in Group C. The Super Eagles will next face Tunisia, while Tanzania turn their attention to a meeting with fellow East African nation and AFCON 2027 co-hosts Uganda.
