JAKARTA - Atalanta midfielder Ademola Lookman saved Nigeria when defeating Tanzania 2-1 in the first match of Group C of the African Cup of Nations at the Fez Stadium, Morocco, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 WIB. Lookman's goal was the determinant of victory after striker Victor Osimhen failed to show his sharpness.
Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, still hasn't shown their best performance when starting the fight at the African Cup. When facing Tanzania, coach Eric Chelle immediately lowered the best squad. Osimhen became the mainstay of the front line when he teamed up with Sevilla striker Akor Adams.
Behind them is Lookman who is expected to liven up the Super Eagles' game. In addition, there is the Fulham duo, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze in the midfield who are the regulators and maintain the balance of the team's game.
Nigeria also presented an attacking game because Chelle hoped to score many goals in the first half. But their attacks always failed.
Adams got a good chance when he fired a hard shot at the Tanzania goal. However, his effort was thwarted by goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi who had to undergo treatment because his face was hit hard by the ball.
Furthermore, Adams again got a good chance. But his shot from close range still hit the goalpost. Not only Adams but also Osimhen who almost broke the Tanzania goal.
At least, the former Napoli striker who now plays for Galatasaray got two chances that were thwarted by Bakari Nondo.
After many failed attempts, Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. However, the goal was created by the defender when Semi Ajayi greeted Iwobi's cross and his kick went to the top corner of the goal. This was Ajayi's second goal which gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
After the lead, Nigeria did not slow down the game. They still played aggressively and almost increased the lead. However, Chukwueze's close-range shot could be stopped by Masudi. Nigeria's one-goal score lasted until the first half ended.
Entering the second half, Nigeria even lost the moment that made Tanzania able to get out of the pressure. In fact, they even dominated the game and the attack of the team coached by Miguel Angel Gamondi was able to give positive results.
Tanzania only needed the first five minutes to equalize when midfielder Charles M'Mombwa managed to defeat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The score changed to 1-1 and the match resumed. The reason is that the goal raised the adrenaline of the Tanzanian players.
However, Nigeria quickly bounced back. Osimhen managed to break into the Tanzania goal, bringing Nigeria back to the lead. However, the goal was annulled because he was in an offside position.
If Osimhen fails, it is Lookman who saves Nigeria. Only two minutes later, the 2024 African Best Player brought Nigeria back to the lead with a soaring kick from outside the penalty area.
The score changed 2-1 and lasted until the end of the match. The victory made Nigeria ranked second in Group C. The first position was occupied by Tunisia who defeated Uganda 3-1.
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