Nigeria begin their journey at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania's Taifa Stars on Tuesday evening in Fez.

The Super Eagles dominated the first half in terms of clear-cut chances, with Akor Adams seeing a header crash against the woodwork and strike partner Victor Osimhen denied by a crucial clearance off the line from Bakari Mwamnyeto.

Nine minutes before the break, Nigeria finally broke the deadlock as Semi Ajayi rose to meet a delightful delivery from his former Arsenal teammate, Alex Iwobi.

Tanzania drew level in the 50th minute through Charles M’Mombwa following a brief defensive lapse, but Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead with a fine, composed strike just two minutes later.

The Atalanta forward was the rampant goalscorer for the Super Eagles in the knockout rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with a brace against Cameroon in the round of 16 before netting the winner against Angola in the quarterfinals. 

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, who was on commentary duty for CAF,  praised Lookman and Ajayi for their goals. 

On Lookman, the 1994 Afcon winner said: "Clinical finishing really. He took matters into his own hands, players in front of him, but clinical finishing with his left foot. This is really well struck,"

Ajayi, an aerial presence that is critical in defensive efforts, became key up front as he scored the opener for Nigeria.

Reacting to Ajayi's second in goal in Nigeria colours, Oliseh commented: "He attacked the ball, very important. He came from behind, went towards the ball and attacked".

Ajayi and Lookman, both born in London, are products of the Charlton Athletic academy. 

While the forward rose through the ranks to make his first team debut for the Addicks, the central defender departed the Valley without a first team appearance to his name.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel