The Super Eagles started their campaign at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday on a winning note.
Just as the Green Eagles in 1980 started their opening group game with a 3-1win against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania enroute winning the trophy for the first time, the class of 2025 also started with a 2-1 win.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman emerged as the match winner in Fez as the Super Eagles had to dig deep to overcome Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.
Nigeria took the lead in the first half through defender Semi Ajayi, who calmly finished after sustained pressure from the Super Eagles.
Tanzania responded early in the second half when Mbombwa leveled scores, and temporarily silenced the Nigerian supporters at the stadium.
The Super Eagles however rose to the occasion after the Tanzanian reatority parity by gaining control again through Ademola Lookman who delivered the decisive goal, and seal all three points for Eric Chelle’s side.
The win gives Nigeria a positive start to their AFCON 2025 campaign before their next game against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27.
…Ajayi Wins Man-Of-The-Match
Supeer Eagles Defender, Semi Ajayi who scored the opening goal in the encounter was adjudged as the Man of the Match for his five star performance.
The Hull City centre-back opened the scoring midway through the first half, rising highest to power home a decisive header off a floated pass from Alex Iwobi.
Overall, Ajayi was impressive and rock solid as the Eagles withstood the sustained pressure from the Tanzanians especially in the second half.
Ajayi’s all-round contribution proved crucial as Nigeria secured maximum points in their opening Group fixture.
