Nigeria may not have put the game beyond doubt on the scoreboard, but their 2-1 win over Tanzania sent a powerful message to the continent.
The Super Eagles’ first Group F game of AFCON 2025 featured a lineup that dominated the proceedings and displayed flashes of the kind that make them legitimate title contenders.
Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals that merited a deserving victory over them.
The AFCON Quest starts in 2025 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles flying past Tanzania.
Lessons from the AFCON Clash between Tanzania and Nigeria
Here are six lessons learned from the Group C clash.
Nigeria Show Dominance  
After failing to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles were under pressure at the start of the competition. However, they played as a unit that was determined to respond when faced with Tanzania.
The entire story was not adequately captured by the scoreline. Nigeria spent a lot of time camped out in the opposition half, controlled possession, and set the pace. Their overall dominance made them more likely to be a favorite to win the AFCON title in addition to Group F.
Midfield Control Was Foundation,  
Midfield helped Nigeria regain its dominance of the game. Alex Iwobi assisted in linking midfield and attack play, while Captain Wilfred Ndidi provided balance and leadership.
The Taifa Stars struggled to settle for or launch effective counter-attacks because of the Super Eagles’ consistent winning of second balls and quick recycling of possession.
The Dynamic was altered by Chukwueze’s energy,  .
Eric Chelle’s choice to omit Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and give Samuel Chukwueze a start was crucial to that.
The loanee from AC Milan defended the request with a creative and energetic display. Chukwueze was involved in the majority of Nigeria’s dangerous moments and injected pace into midfield.
Tanzania struggled to move, and Zuberi Masudi’s excellent save gave him the lead.
Osimhen Fails To Find The Target
Despite having a dominant lead, Nigeria struggled to convert a number of chances, especially in the first half, when they could have scored three goals up.
Victor Osimhen, a striker for Galatasaray, was guilty of some poor finishing in the match despite the Tanzanian defense’s efforts to marshal him at times.
His inability to find the back of the net kept Tanzania in the game longer than expected, which the Super Eagles must improve if they want to win the tournament.
Still A Concern Regarding Defensive Frailties
What initially appeared to be a comfortable game for the Super Eagles turned tense in the second half after Tanzania found an equaliser despite Osimhen’s difficulties in scoring. Reported defensive issues resurfaced for a team that has a worrying habit of conceding avoidable—often late—goals.
Nigeria’s back line struggled to recover after a costly turnover by Zaidu Sanusi in a dangerous area. A clever piece of play by the Taifa Stars allowed Tanzania to break through the defense and defeat Stanley Nwabali in goal, which was unfortunate for the central defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and Samuel Ajayi.
The incident served as a reminder that, despite Nigeria’s unquestionable potential ahead, defensive concentration will continue to be a problem as the tournament progresses.
Tanzania’s goalkeeper kept it respectable.
Tanzania can credit Zuberi Masudi with preventing a more severe defeat, despite Nigeria’s impressive performance. His crucial interventions, particularly those that denied Chukwueze, prevented the scoreline from fully reflecting the play’s balance. It served as a reminder that a strong opposition will need to be effective in front of the goal.
Tunisia’s focus shifts to Nigeria during AFCON:
Source: Channels TV
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