Lookman strike earns Nigeria nervy AFCON win over Tanzania
Nigeria began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Super Eagles, chasing a first continental crown since 2013, provisionally top Group C ahead of Tunisia’s clash with Uganda later in the day.
Nigeria dominate early
Eric Sekou Chelle’s side controlled the first half, with Tanzania struggling to gain possession. Akor Adams struck the woodwork with a powerful header after 11 minutes, before Victor Osimhen was denied by a goal-line clearance from Bakari Mwamnyeto.
Nigeria’s aerial strength eventually told in the 31st minute when Semi Ajayi rose to head home Alex Iwobi’s pinpoint cross. Ademola Lookman almost doubled the lead before half-time, but goalkeeper Aishi Masudi recovered quickly to block his effort after saving Wilfred Ndidi’s long-range strike.
Tanzania fight back
Osimhen thought he had added a second with a clever backheel finish early in the second half, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Against the run of play, Tanzania equalised with their first real chance. Miroshi’s cross found M’Mombwa unmarked at the far post, and the midfielder guided a glancing finish beyond Stanley Nwabali.
Lookman delivers winner
Nigeria responded immediately. Just a minute later, Lookman restored the lead with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box that beat Masudi.
The Super Eagles pressed for a third, with Osimhen and Adams both going close, but Tanzania threatened late on with two chances that could have snatched a dramatic equaliser.
What it means
Nigeria’s victory sets them up strongly in Group C, though sterner tests await against Tunisia and Uganda. For Chelle’s side, the performance underlined both their attacking quality and the defensive lapses they will need to tighten if they are to end a 12-year wait for AFCON glory.