Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania: Lookman & Ajayi's goals secure 3 points for Super Eagles

Ademola Lookman struck the winning goal as Nigeria started their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania.

Match Report

Nigeria did not have it all their own way in Fes, with Charles M'Mombwa briefly getting Tanzania level in the second half, but they picked up a valuable three points ahead of Saturday's huge tussle with Tunisia, their foremost rivals in Group C.

The Super Eagles dominated the first half, with Akor Adams striking the woodwork before Victor Osimhen rounded goalkeeper Zuberi Foba but saw his angled attempt cleared off the line.

However, they went ahead from the second phase from the resulting corner, as Semi Ajayi planted Alex Iwobi's hanging cross into the net with 36 minutes gone.

After Osimhen's flicked finish was disallowed for offside, Tanzania stunned the sizable contingent of Nigeria fans in attendance when Novatus Miroshi's chipped pass was side-footed home by M'Mombwa in the 50th minute.

But just 108 seconds after M'Mombwa's finish nestled in the far corner, Lookman restored Nigeria's advantage by blasting home left-footed after being fed by Iwobi.

Tanzania had a couple of big chances to equalise again but could not capitalise, with Calvin Bassey getting a vital touch on Mohamed Hussein's inviting delivery across the face of goal, before Ibrahim Hamad fired into the side netting.

Data Debrief: Nigeria earn unconvincing win as Osimhen shut out

This was a meeting between David and Goliath, with Tanzania ranked 112th in the world and Nigeria placed 38th by FIFA. The Super Eagles have won AFCON as many times as Tanzania have qualified for the final tournament (four times).

Tanzania gave a good account of themselves, ending the game with 0.79 expected goals (xG) from 11 shots, compared to Nigeria's 21 shots and 1.55 xG.

The minnows managed to keep Osimhen out despite the former Napoli Scudetto winner firing off a game-high seven shots – the most by a Nigeria player in a single AFCON game since Victor Obina against Algeria in 2010 (also seven).

Iwobi assisted both of Nigeria's goals, having never previously teed up a goal at AFCON – this was his 19th appearance at Africa's most prestigious tournament.

Line-ups

Nigeria XI: Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali

Subs: Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, F. Uzoho, Cyriel Dessers, Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Igoh Ogbu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, R. Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Amas Obasogie

Tanzania XI: Ally Samatta, Shomari Kapombe, Simon Msuva, Charles M'Mombwa, Tarryn Allarakhia, Mohamed Hussein, Novatus Miroshi, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Alphonce Msanga, Ibrahim Hamad, Zuberi Foba

Subs: Dickson Job, Haji Mnoga, Kelvin John, Iddy Seleman Nado, Nickson Kibabage, Denis Kibu, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Morice Abraham, Pascal Msindo, Yusuph Kagoma, Khalid Habibu, Kelvin Nashon, Hussein Masalanga, Wilson Nangu