Nigeria's Super Eagles commenced their pursuit of a coveted fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title today, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania's Taifa Stars in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco. This crucial win marks a significant step for a team eager to reassert its continental dominance and redeem itself after a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles had previously gone unbeaten in all six of their 2025 group stage World Cup qualifiers, achieving four wins and one draw, followed by a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon in the continental play-off semifinals. However, their World Cup hopes were dramatically cut short after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to Nigeria missing a second consecutive World Cup.

Tanzania, managed by Miguel Gamondi, entered the tournament making only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, having consistently exited at the group stage in 1980, 2019, and 2023. Still searching for their maiden win in Africa’s premier football championship, their historical record stood at three draws and six losses from nine previous encounters. The two nations had met once before at the continental showpiece, in the 1980 AFCON, where the Super Eagles began their campaign with a 3–1 victory over the Taifa Stars in Lagos. Overall, Nigeria held a superior head-to-head record of four wins and three draws from seven previous meetings.

For the opening clash, Coach Chelle opted for a tried and tested 4-4-2 diamond formation, fielding a squad packed with internationally-based talent. The starting XI for Nigeria included Stanley Nwabali in goal; a defensive line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi; a midfield featuring captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman; and a formidable attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Leading Nigeria’s attack, Victor Osimhen, at 26 years old, finished the 2024/25 season as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig and had already netted six goals in 12 league games in the current 2025/26 campaign, making him a strong contender for the tournament’s Golden Boot award. Tanzania's lineup included Zuberi Foba Masudi in goal; Shomari Kapombe, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Hamad, and Mohamed Husseini in defence; Alphonce Msanga, Novatus Miroshi, and Charles M'Mbombwa in midfield; and Simon Msuva, Mbwana Ally Samatta, and Tarryn Allarakhia upfront.

The match at Complexe Sportif de Fès was a rollercoaster of emotions. Nigeria began brightly, dominating possession and carving out several early chances. Akor Adams went close twice within the opening 15 minutes, first failing to finish a pass from Chukwueze and then heading against the crossbar. Further opportunities fell to Lookman, Chukwueze, and Osimhen, but a lack of ruthlessness meant the breakthrough was delayed. It finally arrived in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi headed home from Alex Iwobi’s expertly delivered cross following a quick corner, marking Ajayi's first AFCON goal and giving Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Tanzania emerge with renewed vigor. Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage moments after the restart, but Osimhen’s close-range flick was ruled offside by VAR. This setback was almost immediately punished when Tanzania’s Charles M'Mombwa equalized in the 50th minute, exposing a lapse in Nigeria’s defensive concentration. However, the Super Eagles responded swiftly and decisively. Just two minutes later, Alex Iwobi once again turned provider, threading an intelligent pass to Ademola Lookman, who dummied his marker and calmly guided his shot into the corner. This marked Lookman's ninth goal for Nigeria and his fourth at AFCON, adding to his three goals from the previous tournament. It was also the first time Iwobi had registered two assists in a single AFCON match.

Despite securing the three points, the Super Eagles' display was met with some scrutiny. While Nigeria created a stream of chances, their conversion rate was poor, with only 50% of their attempted shots hitting the target. Victor Osimhen, despite his prolific scoring record, had a