Nigeria v Tanzania live: Super Eagles survive scare as Lookman stunner inspires Afcon opener win

Ademola Lookman scored a superb second-half winner as Nigeria earned a nervy Africa Cup of Nations victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener in Fes.

Getting over the line in the pouring rain, it positive start for the tournament runners-up from two years ago, but one that was not without moments of alarm.

Nigeria were more dominant than the scoreline suggests in terms of possession and chances, but they failed to finish off the contest and were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal by their east African opponents.

Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria in front in the first half before Charles M'Mombwa equalised five minutes after halftime. The Tanzanians' joy lasted only two minutes, however, as Lookman fired in what proved to be the winner from outside the box.

Nigeria’s next assignment will be against their biggest competition to top the group as they stay put in Fes to take on Tunisia this Saturday.

Tunisia, who unlike the Super Eagles have qualified for next summer’s World Cup, will be hoping to draw level on points with Nigeria by beating Uganda tonight, setting up something of a mini Group C cup final on the weekend.

A quick rundown of all the Afcon results so far after today’s action...

Sunday 21 December

Morocco 2-0 Comoros

Monday 22 December

Mali 1-1 Zambia

South Africa 2-1 Angola

Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe

Tuesday 23 December

DR Congo 1-0 Benin

Senegal 1-0 Botswana

Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania

20:00: Tunisia v Uganda

Nigeria have got the job done - now attention turns to the tonight’s other Group C clash between Tunisia and Uganda.

That one kicks off at 8pm in Rabat and will be shown live on Channel 4.

Nigeria survived a second-half scare to overcome Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener as they look to put their World Cup qualifying woes behind them.

Semi Ajayi’s header broke the deadlock nine minutes before half-time, the Hull City centre-back finding the target after Nigeria’s strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams saw chances go begging.

Tanzania then drew level after the break through Charles M'Mombwa before Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead just two minutes later with a wicked strike into the top corner.

The Super Eagles, who came so close last time out in the 2-1 final defeat to Ivory Coast, very nearly conceded another equaliser at the death as Ibrahim Hamad sliced his volley over from close range, but Eric Chelle’s side were able to see out the result in Fes to get their Afcon campaign off to a winning start ahead of Group C’s second match between Tunisia and Uganda later in the night.

The Super Eagles get it done in their Afcon opener!

It’s not a statement win, but it’s three big points.

90+4 mins: It’s played short and the eventual delivery comes to nothing.

90+3 mins: Nigeria concede a free-kick just inside their half. One last chance to launch it into the box for Tanzania.