AFCON: Nigerian superstars too strong for Tanzania’s brave hearts

Even before the match between Nigeria and Tanzania, the favourite was clear. The Super Eagles started aggressively, creating several chances within the first 15 minutes. They took the lead before the halftime break, but Tanzania responded with a surprising equaliser. Nevertheless, Nigeria’s superior quality shone through, and Ademola Lookman’s goal secured the final 2–1 victory.

Nigeria justified their status as favourites in the first half of the Group C Africa Cup of Nations clash against Tanzania, going into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.

The Super Eagles set the tempo early on and recorded the first attempt of the match in the 6th minute, when Chukwueze found space around 20 metres from goal and fired a shot that was well handled by Tanzania goalkeeper Foba.

Nigeria threatened again in the 9th minute as Adams was played clean through the middle of the defence, tried to round the goalkeeper, but Foba reacted smartly to deny him.

Nigeria came even closer in the 11th minute. Chukwueze delivered a dangerous corner and Adams met it with a header, only to see the ball crash against the crossbar. Tanzania had their first real opportunity in the 14th minute, when a neat attacking move ended with Msuva attempting an acrobatic overhead kick, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

Just a minute later, the Super Eagles broke forward once more, with Victor Osimhen powering a shot from the right side, though his effort flew over the bar. After a quieter spell, Nigeria missed a huge chance in the 35th minute as Osimhen once again got past the goalkeeper, but Mwamnyeto cleared the ball off the line to keep Tanzania level.

The breakthrough finally arrived moments later. Iwobi provided the assist and Ajayi reacted brilliantly, heading home to give Nigeria a 1–0 advantage. Tanzania responded in the 43rd minute with a solid effort from distance by Allarakhia, but the Nigerian goalkeeper made a comfortable save.

Deep into stoppage time, Nigeria nearly doubled their lead. Ndidi struck powerfully from long range and forced another strong save from Foba, before Chukwueze fired the rebound, only for the Tanzanian goalkeeper to produce yet another fine stop.

Nigeria and Tanzania produced a lively and dramatic second half, packed with goals and chances at both ends.

Just two minutes after the restart, Nigeria thought they had doubled their lead. Victor Osimhen found the net in the 47th minute and celebrations followed, but referee Dahane Beida was advised to consult VAR. After the review, the goal was ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the Super Eagles.

Tanzania took full advantage of that reprieve and struck back in the 50th minute. A well-worked move inside the Nigerian penalty area ended with M’Mombwa reacting sharply and firing a first-time shot past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1–1.

The response from Nigeria was immediate. In the 52nd minute, Ademola Lookman restored their advantage with a superb goal. Receiving the ball around 20 metres from goal, he turned his marker brilliantly before unleashing a powerful and precise strike that left the Tanzanian goalkeeper with no chance, making it 2–1 for Nigeria.

Nigeria continued to push for a third goal. In the 61st minute, Moses Simon provided a fine assist, Osimhen cleverly laid the ball off for Lookman, but the winger was denied a second goal by another excellent save from Foba.

The Super Eagles created more clear-cut chances as the half progressed. In the 67th minute, Iwobi weaved his way through the Tanzanian defence and shot from the left side, but his effort flew over the crossbar. Moments later, Osimhen found himself almost one-on-one with the goalkeeper, drifted slightly wide and saw his shot end up in the keeper’s arms.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE

Sunday

Morocco - Comoros 2-0 (0-0)

/Diaz 55, El Kaabi 74/

Monday

Mali - Zambia 1-1 (0-0)

/Sinayoko 61 - Daka 90+2/

South Africa - Angola 2-1 (1-1)

/Appollis 21, Foster 79 - Show 35/

Egypt - Zimbabwe 2-1 (0-1)

/Marmoush 64, Salah 90+1 - Dube 20/

Tuesday

DR Congo - Benin 1-0 (1-0)

/Bongonda 16/

Senegal - Botswana 3-0 (1-0)

/Jackson 40, 58, Ndiaye C. 90/

Nigeria - Tanzania 2-1 (1-0)

/Ajayi 36, Lookman 52 - M'Mombwa 50/

23.00: (1.70) Tunisia (3.50) Uganda (5.50)

Wednesday

15.30: (1.80) Burkina Faso (3.50) Equatorial Guinea (4.70)

18.00: (1.45) Algeria (4.20) Sudan (8.00)

20.30: (1.40) Ivory Coast (4.50) Mozambique (8.50)

23.00: (2.15) Cameroon (3.25) Gabon (3.60)

***odds are subject to change***