Super Eagles in AFCON 2025 Flying Start in Morocco
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Fes, Morocco with a 2-1 defeat of Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Defender Semi Ajayi fired the three-time African champions into the lead when he headed home off a brilliant delivery by Alex Iwobi in the 36th minute.
The first half ended with the one goal advantage by Eagles.
On resumption for the second half, the East Africans however equalised in the 50th minute with Charles M’Mombwa slotting home a lofted cross beyond the diving reach of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Victor Osimhen’s effort that would have given Nigeria another advantage was ruled offside. Sevilla striker, Jerome Akor Adams provided the assist to Osimhen.
Two minutes later, Ademola Lookman regained the Nigerian lead with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box.
It was a fitting goal from the boots of 2024 African Player of the Year who will miss next year World Cup along with his Super Eagles teammates.
On the hour, the young Tanzanian goalkeeper had to tip for corner a goal-bound shot.
To the credit of Tanzania, they chased for an equaliser that never came.
Coach Eric Chelle then brought on Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in place of Samuel Chukwueze and Akor, respectively.
It was then that Super Eagles returned to traditional wing play of 4-4-2 away from the clumsy 4-2-4 that is not giving Nigeria any headway.
Paris FC winger Simon went on to pepper the right-hand side of the Tanzanian defence and several times delivered dangerous balls inside the box of the Taifa Stars of Tanzania that unfortunately were not finished off.
With all three points in the bag, Super Eagles temporarily moved on top of the Group C with three points until Tunisia hammered Uganda 3-1 to leapfrog Nigeria to the summit.
Super Eagles will next play Tunisia in the group stage on Saturday while Tanzania travel to Rabat for an all–East Africa encounter against Uganda.
RESULTS
AFCON 2025
DR Congo 1-0 Benin
Senegal 3-0 Botswana
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
Tunisia 3-1 Uganda
TODAY
B’Faso v E’Guinea
Algeria v Sudan
I’Coast v Mozambique
Cameroon v Gabon
