AFCON Update: Lookman screamer hands Nigeria a winning start over Tanzania

Victor Osimhen celebrates with Semi Ajayi after the latter headed Nigeria in front on Tuesday in their AFCON opener against Tanzania. Nigeri...

Victor Osimhen celebrates with Semi Ajayi after the latter headed Nigeria in front on Tuesday in their AFCON opener against Tanzania. Nigeria won 2-1. (Photo credit: BBC)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter, maintaining momentum in their campaign with a disciplined and composed performance.

Nigeria started the match on the front foot, controlling possession and dictating play from midfield. Their early dominance was rewarded in the first half when Semi Ajayi opened the scoring, rising well to convert from a neat Alex Iwobi cross, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead.

The goal settled Nigeria into their rhythm, with Wilfred Ndidi anchoring the midfield and Alex Iwobi helping to link play between defence and attack. Victor Osimhen remained a constant threat up front, stretching Tanzania’s backline and creating space for teammates.

Tanzania emerged with renewed purpose after the break and found an equaliser in the second half; the Nigerian defence went to sleep, and M’Mombwa ghosted in to level briefly, shifting the momentum of the game. However, Nigeria’s response was immediate and decisive.

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, capitalising on Nigeria's quick transition and attacking intent, restored the Super Eagles' lead just moments after conceding.

From that point, Nigeria managed the game with maturity. Tanzania wasn’t exactly at the races, but Nigeria failed to score another goal, which led to anxiety among the fans as uncertainty about the result grew late on.

Despite Tanzania pushing forward in search of another equaliser, the Super Eagles remained organised and composed, seeing out the match to secure all three points. Iwobi and Ndidi deserve the credit, as they ensured the midfield battle wasn’t lost.

The win strengthens Nigeria’s position in the AFCON group and highlights the team’s resilience and attacking quality. Attention now turns to the next fixture as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of continental success.

Tunisia leads Group C after the day’s games after the Carthage Eagles beat Uganda 3-1 in the group’s other game. Nigeria is second on the log and will face the log leaders Tunisia later on Saturday, in a game that will ultimately determine who rules Group C.