Nigeria secure tight AFCON opener against Tanzania amid missed chances

Ademola Lookman clinched a 2-1 victory for Nigeria over Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday during their initial Africa Cup of Nations fixture, despite the Super Eagles squandering numerous opportunities.

Following the setback of missing out on the 2026 World Cup qualification, Nigeria's manager Eric Chelle likely anticipated a higher goal tally considering the abundance of openings his team generated.

Leading forward Victor Osimhen stood out among those who underperformed in front of goal. Although he did not find the net, he had the potential for a treble with improved accuracy.

Nigeria's central defender Semi Ajayi netted the opener in the opening period, only for Charles M'Mombwa to draw level shortly after the interval.

Nevertheless, the Atalanta forward Lookman delivered the decisive strike moments following the leveller, preventing embarrassment for Nigeria.

The initial half unfolded as expected, with the three time title holders from Nigeria dominating possession while Tanzania absorbed the onslaught, aiming for their debut success after three stalemates and six defeats across prior AFCON outings.

Tanzania's custodian Zuberi Masudi sustained a face wound after rushing from his goal to deny a effort from Akor Adams.

Off the ensuing corner kick, the Sevilla marksman Adams nearly connected, his effort off the near upright striking the upper frame of the goal.

The visitors from the east posed their initial danger on the 14th minute via a spectacular volley from Saimon Msuva, which Stanley Nwabali gathered with ease.

As precipitation started in Fes, tensions rose for the Nigerians, with the 2023 African footballer of the year Osimhen irked by a challenge from Ibrahim Hamad.

Osimhen squanders opportunities

Osimhen subsequently emerged as the central figure in Nigeria's forward moves, coming close to netting on two occasions before a further bid was blocked on the goal line by Bakari Nondo.

That free kick resulted in the Super Eagles forging ahead, as the delivery returned to Alex Iwobi, who supplied a precise header into the far corner from Ajayi, marking his second goal for his country.

Samuel Chukwueze could have extended the advantage right before the break, yet Masudi parried his effort from close proximity over the bar.

The opening seven minutes post interval proved eventful, with an Osimhen strike disallowed for offside, followed by M'Mombwa's equaliser on the 50th minute and then the 2024 African footballer of the year Lookman regaining Nigeria's advantage two minutes hence via a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Chelle brought on experienced Moses Simon in place of Adams, hoping fruitlessly to extend the margin before the anticipated sternest Group C encounter against Tunisia in Fes this Saturday.

Tanzania passed up a levelling opportunity with three minutes left in normal play, as Mohamed Hussein's delivery bypassed Nwabali, but replacement Kelvin John could not make contact.

Group C proceedings resume later on Tuesday as Tunisia face Uganda in Rabat.