Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 21st Africa Cup of Nations appearance on a winning note, edging Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 2–1 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening.
Playing their 105th match in AFCON history, the Eagles dominated the early exchanges but initially struggled to convert possession into goals. Victor Osimhen came close in the 32nd minute after connecting with an Alex Iwobi pass, only for a Tanzanian defender to clear off the line with goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi beaten.
Nigeria’s pressure finally paid off three minutes later when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Iwobi, giving the Eagles a deserved lead.
Iwobi, earning his 92nd international cap, delivered an inspired performance, dictating play with a range of incisive passes that thrilled the crowd.
Tanzania threatened briefly six minutes after the opener, but Stanley Nwabali reacted well to deny a powerful strike from Tarryn Allarakhia. In first-half stoppage time, Samuel Chukwueze nearly doubled Nigeria’s advantage, forcing Masudi into a fine save.
Before a crowd of just over 11,000 spectators, Nigeria resumed the second half brightly despite the drizzle. Osimhen thought he had added a second goal shortly after the restart, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Taifa Stars equalised in the 52nd minute when Charles M’Mbombwa fired past Nwabali amid Nigerian appeals for offside.
The Super Eagles responded almost immediately. Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish from the edge of the area, following another well-weighted pass from Iwobi.
Tanzania pushed hard for a second equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence—marshalled by Calvin Bassey, Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and captain Wilfred Ndidi—held firm.
The victory takes Nigeria’s all-time AFCON goals tally to 148. The Super Eagles will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in their next Group match on Saturday, again in Fès.
