AFCON 2025: Nigeria Brave Heavy Rain to Survive Tanzania Scare in Dramatic Opener

Nigeria dominated Tanzania in their opening Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held at the Fez Stadium in Morocco on Tuesday, December 23.

The Nigerian Super Eagles entered the tournament under significant pressure, seeking redemption through continental glory after their recent and surprising failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are led by newly appointed interim coach Miguel Gamondi, who took over just weeks before the tournament to guide the team in their quest for a historic first-ever win against Nigeria.

Historically, the Super Eagles have dominated the fixture, remaining unbeaten in their seven previous encounters across all competitions, and they were out to continue their winning streak.

Tanzania began the match brightly, pushing into Nigeria’s penalty area early on, but a misplaced pass allowed the Super Eagles to regain possession.

Nigeria responded with quick, incisive passing that eventually found Victor Osimhen, who had an early opportunity but was unable to trouble the defence.

Shortly afterwards, the Taifa Stars were awarded a free kick, though it failed to pose any real threat as Nigeria quickly won back the ball. In the fifth minute, Tanzania earned another free kick, this time forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into an impressive save.

Nigeria came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute when a clear chance fell their way, but Tanzanian goalkeeper Zuberi Foba produced a strong block.

The Super Eagles were awarded a corner kick, from which a powerful header struck the woodwork. Tanzania had a chance of their own in the 13th minute, but the effort was safely gathered by the goalkeeper. Moments later, Victor Osimhen, caught offside, attempted a shot that drifted wide.

In the 21st minute, Nigeria went close again as a Taifa Stars defender made a timely intervention to clear the danger. The ensuing rebound fell kindly for the Super Eagles, but the follow-up effort failed to produce a breakthrough.

Nigeria were later awarded a free kick just outside the Taifa Stars’ penalty area after Victor Osimhen was fouled. Despite looking to capitalise on the set piece, the effort went wide.

A subsequent corner followed amid heavy rainfall, but once again, the Super Eagles were unable to find the back of the net.

Victor Osimhen had another chance to score in the 34th minute but was denied by a block from Bakari Mwamnyeto. However, his save resulted in a corner, and through a header, Semi Ajayi scored Nigeria’s first goal in the match.

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars came close to equalising in the 41st minute, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper remained alert and gathered the ball confidently.

Just before half-time, the Super Eagles created a scoring opportunity of their own, only for the effort to be blocked by the goalkeeper, with the rebound sailing wide.

Victor Osimhen found the back of the net just a few seconds into the second half, but his goal was ruled out as an offside. However, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars were up to something as they equalised in the 50th minute, piling pressure on Nigeria. However, just a minute later, Ademola Lookman doubled the lead for the Super Eagles in a clinical finish.

Taifa Stars then began their hunt for a second goal, and in the 53rd minute, they were on course to prove a point, but being offside ruled them out. Nigeria continued their brilliant ways, but Tanzania were looking to fight back.

In the 58th minute, Ademola Lookman and Akor Jerome Adams were substituted, with coach Eric Chelle targeting fresh legs to continue dominating Tanzania.

The 65th minute saw Victor Osimhen attempt to add another goal for Nigeria, but he was in a compromising situation and failed to deliver as expected.

Shortly afterwards, the Taifa Stars were awarded a corner, which led to another following its execution, but neither produced a positive outcome for the Tanzanians.

Nevertheless, they continued to apply sustained pressure on Nigeria, displaying an impressive and determined style of play. In the 78th minute, Tanzania made substitutions in an effort to find a late equaliser as the match drew toward its conclusion.

Tanzania refused to let go, and in the 86th minute, they tormented Nigeria’s defence inside the penalty area, pressing relentlessly in search of an equaliser.

In the 90th minute, Tanzania introduced an attacking substitution in a final push to change the outcome, signalling their determination to make a statement. However, not much changed, forcing the match to end 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.