Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi was named Man of the Match after a commanding all-around performance that anchored the Super Eagles’ 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening Group C fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ajayi not only provided the decisive defensive solidity Nigeria needed in a tense contest, but also opened the scoring with a towering header in the 36th minute, rising above the Tanzanian defence to convert a well-weighted cross from Alex Iwobi.

The goal set Nigeria on their way and underlined Ajayi’s growing importance at both ends of the pitch.

Throughout the match, the central defender produced a composed display, reading danger early, winning aerial duels and organising a back line that was repeatedly tested by a spirited Tanzanian side eager to upset the odds.

Even after Tanzania drew level early in the second half, Ajayi remained assured, helping Nigeria regain control as the game entered a nervy phase.

His performance was capped by a series of crucial clearances and interceptions late in the match, as Tanzania pushed for another equaliser following Ademola Lookman’s superb strike that restored Nigeria’s lead.

The Man of the Match award crowns an impressive outing for Ajayi, whose influence extended beyond his goal.

 It was his second strike for the Super Eagles, following his earlier goal in a 2023 World Cup qualifier, and another reminder of his value as a dependable presence in high-pressure games.

Nigeria’s narrow win places them provisionally at the top of Group C, and as the Super Eagles prepare for tougher tests against Tunisia and Uganda, Ajayi’s assured display will offer encouragement that the defensive spine of the team is finding its rhythm at the right time.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania. However, the performance in Fez suggested there is still work to be done before they can truly assert their continental pedigree.

The struggle notwithstanding, Nigeria have stretched their winning streak over Tanzania to five.

Against a Tanzanian side yet to record a win in AFCON history, Nigeria were pushed to the limit and made to earn all three points in a contest that proved far more demanding than the records of both teams suggested.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to nod home a well-delivered cross from Alex Iwobi. It was Ajayi’s second goal for the Super Eagles, following his strike against Lesotho in a 2023 World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half when Victor Osimhen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. That moment proved costly, as the Super Eagles’ defence switched off minutes later, allowing Charles M’Mombwa to fire in a first-time finish in the 52nd minute to draw Tanzania level.

The equaliser jolted Nigeria into greater urgency, and their response arrived through Ademola Lookman, who restored the lead with a superb strike from just outside the penalty area.

Despite late pressure from Tanzania, Nigeria held on to secure the win, which temporarily places them at the top of Group C pending the outcome of the Tunisia versus Uganda encounter.

The Super Eagles will next face Tunisia on Saturday before rounding off their group campaign against Uganda on December 30. Tanzania, still in search of its first-ever AFCON victory, takes on Uganda on Saturday and concludes its group fixtures against Tunisia on December 30.

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By Kunle Solaja

• Tanzania have never won an AFCON match
• Nigeria hardly lose an opening match having avoided a loss in 17 of 20 instances

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a Group C clash against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, aiming to set a strong tone in their 20th appearance at Africa’s flagship football tournament.

Although meetings between both sides have been few and far between, history strongly favours Nigeria. In 10 previous encounters, the Super Eagles have never lost to Tanzania, recording six wins and four draws, with a superior goals record of 14–5.

For Tanzania, the Morocco 2025 finals represent just their fourth appearance in 35 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, underlining the contrasting pedigree of both teams on the continental stage. The Taifa Stars are also yet to taste victory in an AFCON opening match. Their previous opening-day defeats include a 3–1 loss to Nigeria in Lagos in 1980, a 2–0 reverse against Senegal in 2019, and a 3–0 defeat to hosts Morocco at the 2023 tournament.

Overall, Tanzania have played nine AFCON matches since their debut in 1980 without recording a single win, a statistic they will be desperate to overturn in Fez.

Nigeria, by contrast, have traditionally started strongly at the Nations Cup. In 20 tournament appearances, the Super Eagles have lost just three opening matches — a 6–3 defeat to Egypt in 1963, a 5–1 loss to Algeria in 1990, and a 3–1 reverse against Egypt in 2010.

Their head-to-head record with Tanzania further underlines Nigeria’s dominance. The first meeting between both sides ended in a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam in July 1972, but Nigeria went on to win three successive encounters later that year and in early 1973. The Super Eagles also defeated Tanzania 3–1 in their only previous AFCON meeting in 1980 and completed a double over them in the 1980 World Cup qualifiers.

More recent competitive meetings also went Nigeria’s way, including a 1–0 home win in Uyo during the 2017 AFCON qualifiers, following a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam.

As the Super Eagles look to navigate a competitive Group C, a positive start against familiar opponents could prove crucial. With history, pedigree and experience firmly on their side, Nigeria will be targeting maximum points against a Tanzania side eager to rewrite the script and announce their presence on the continental stage.

Nigeria-Tanzania Tale of the Tape

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