Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign began the way experienced tournament teams often prefer: not with spectacle, but with control, resilience, and a result that settles nerves early. In Fez, under steady rain and rising pressure, the Super Eagles edged Tanzania 2–1 to claim all three points in their Group C opener and set a calm foundation for what promises to be a demanding tournament.
Opening matches at AFCON rarely offer comfort. They are shaped by caution, nerves, and opponents with little to lose. Nigeria understood that rhythm quickly. Rather than chase the game emotionally, they imposed structure, dominated possession, and trusted the process. It wasn’t flawless, but it was mature and maturity counts at this stage.
Authority in Possession and Calm in Midfield
From the opening exchanges, Nigeria controlled territory and tempo. The Super Eagles moved the ball with intent, stretched Tanzania laterally, and forced them into long defensive spells. Alex Iwobi stood at the heart of that control, dictating play with composure and clarity. He demanded the ball, recycled possession smartly, and consistently found runners between the lines.
That authority translated into a deserved opener in the 36th minute. From a well-worked corner routine, Iwobi delivered an inviting cross that Semi Ajayi met with a firm, glancing header. It was a goal built on patience rather than urgency; the kind that rewards teams who trust their shape and preparation.
Nigeria continued to create opportunities before the break. Akor Adams’ movement unsettled the Tanzanian backline, Victor Osimhen occupied defenders relentlessly, and the Super Eagles looked capable of pulling away. While the second goal didn’t arrive before halftime, Nigeria entered the break firmly in control, both on the scoreboard and in the flow of the game.
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Lookman’s Response and Nigeria’s Composure
AFCON matches often hinge on how teams respond to disruption. Tanzania provided that disruption early in the second half, drawing level through Charles M’Mombwa and briefly shifting momentum. For a moment, the stadium stirred, and the game asked Nigeria a familiar tournament question: how do you respond when control is challenged?
The answer came almost immediately, and decisively, through Ademola Lookman. Picking up a pass from Iwobi, Lookman shifted the ball with subtle footwork, created a yard of space, and rifled a left-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper. It was composed, direct, and instinctive. Two minutes after conceding, Nigeria were back in front.
Beyond the goal, Lookman’s performance reflected confidence and leadership. He dropped into pockets, carried the ball at defenders, and played with intent throughout the match. On a night when Osimhen’s relentless work went unrewarded on the scoresheet, Lookman ensured Nigeria’s attacking threat never faded.
Crucially, Nigeria did not retreat after reclaiming the lead. They stayed compact, managed possession sensibly, and absorbed pressure without panic. Substitutions brought energy rather than disruption, with Moses Simon adding width and urgency late on.
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Signs of Balance and Tournament Readiness
What stood out most from Nigeria’s opener was balance. The Super Eagles combined physical presence with technical control, defensive organisation with attacking intent. Even when Tanzania pushed late, Nigeria remained composed, limiting clear chances and seeing out the game with discipline.
Coach Éric Chelle’s approach looked deliberate rather than reactive. The starting XI showed familiarity, the structure held, and the team played like a group comfortable with responsibility. It was not about chasing headlines on opening night, but about taking a step forward with clarity.
There is room to grow, every AFCON contender has areas to refine, but Nigeria leave Fez with confidence, momentum, and flexibility. History offers encouragement too. The Super Eagles have often grown into tournaments rather than announcing themselves early, and this opening win fits that familiar arc.
With Tunisia next, Nigeria have given themselves space to breathe and time to build. The journey has started, and it has started well.
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