Nigeria defeated a brave Tanzania 2-1 in Fez to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Published December 23, 2025
Ademola Lookman scored Nigeria’s wasted 2-1 win against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, in their first African Cup of Nations match.
After the disappointment of missing out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Schell would have been hoping for more goals given the chances his team created on Tuesday.
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Star striker Victor Osimhen was also one of the culprits. He didn’t score, but with a better finish he could have scored a hat-trick.
Nigeria centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half and Charles Mombwa equalized just after half-time.
However, Atalanta attacker Lookman scored the winning goal immediately after the equalizer, saving Nigeria’s blushes.
The first half followed a predictable pattern, with three-time champions Nigeria applying the pressure and Tanzania absorbing the pressure, looking for their first win after three draws and six losses in their last three AFCON appearances.
Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury when he went off his line to block Akole Adams’ shot.
From the resulting corner kick, Sevilla striker Adams headed close to the near post and came close to hitting the top of the crossbar.
The East African team threatened for the first time in the 14th minute with Simon Musuba’s acrobatic shot, but Stanley Nwabali comfortably saved.
As rain began to fall in Fez, Nigerians’ discontent came to the fore as 2023 African Player of the Year Osimhen was upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.
Osimhen was then the focal point of Nigeria’s attack and threatened to score twice, but his next shot was cleared on the line by Bakari Nondo.
This set-piece gave the Super Eagles the lead, and the ball was turned back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was slotted into the top corner of Ajayi for his second international goal.
Samuel Chukwueze had a chance to extend the lead just before half-time, but his shot from close range was deflected away by Masudi.
The opening seven minutes of the second period were a dramatic affair as Osimhene’s goal was ruled offside, but Mumombwa equalized in the 50th minute and 2024 African Player of the Year Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a shot from just outside the box.
Shell replaced Adams with veteran Moses Simon in a vain hope of extending their lead ahead of Saturday’s match against Tunisia in Fez in what looks to be their toughest match in Group C.
Tanzania missed a chance to equalize with three minutes remaining as Mohamed Hussein’s cross sailed past Nwabari, but substitute Kelvin John was unable to connect with the ball.
After playing Tunisia, Nigeria will face Uganda in the final group match on December 30th.
Tanzania will play Uganda on Saturday and conclude the group stage with a match against Tunisia on December 30th.
Group C matches continue on Tuesday, with Tunisia taking on Uganda in Rabat.
