Photo: AFP/ Getty Images

Nigeria ‘s Super Eagles this evening, beat Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to a 2-1 slim victory at the Stade de Fez, Morocco .

The Super Eagles started strongly, with Victor Osimhen and Lookman causing early problems for the Tanzanian defence.

Nigeria’s first real chance came in the 11th minute when Chukwueze’s corner found Akor Adams, whose shot was saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.

Tanzania responded with long-range efforts, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his side on course.

Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross found Ajayi, who powered a header into the net to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.

The first half ended with Nigeria holding the advantage despite Tanzania showing glimpses of attacking intent in the wet conditions.

The second half began in spectacular fashion. Tanzania’s M’Mombwa equalised in the 50th minute, slotting a lofted delivery into the bottom-left corner.

Nigeria responded almost immediately, with Lookman collecting the ball outside the box and fired a left-footed strike past Masudi in the 52nd minute to restore the Super Eagles’ lead.

Substitutions followed as Nigeria introduced Simon Moses, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Paul Onuachu, while Tanzania brought on John, Job, and Mnonga to boost their attack.

Tanzania came close late on, with John flashing a low shot wide in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points.

The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.

The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.

Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.

Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.

The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.

• Nigeria vs Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania will lock horns today at the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania

Competition: AFCON 2025(Group C) Date: Tuesday, December 23 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. (Nigerian time)Venue: Fez Stadium, Fes

Where to Watch: CAF TV

According to sports analyst, though the matchup versus Tanzania looks easy for the Super Eagles on paper, they still need to be cautious especially after they, once again, were edged by Egypt in a buildup friendly to this competition.

With the remarkable squad at the disposal of Nigeria, headlined by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, the match seems a contrast in matchup but Tanzania will have to rely on the brilliance of Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum to threaten the Nigerian defense.