Live Update: Lookman fires Eagles ahead again as Nigeria lead Tanzania 2-1

Nigeria are leading Tanzania 2–1 in their opening Group C match of the 2025 1xBet Africa Cup of Nations at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco.

Semi Ajayi gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 36th minute, heading home a fine pass from Alex Iwobi after sustained pressure.

Tanzania drew level early in the second half through Charles M’Mombwa, who fired home a first-time finish to punish Nigeria’s defensive lapse. However, the parity was short-lived as Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage moments later with a well-taken strike.

The Super Eagles remain in control of the contest as they push for a strong start to their AFCON campaign.

Despite failing to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are regarded as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

Second-Half Update:

Stoppage Time 90+3 mins

Referee adds three minutes of stoppage time, giving Tanzania a final window to find an equaliser.

Substitution: Goalscorer Charles M’Mombwa comes off, replaced by winger Kibu Denis.

 A miss for Tanzania to equalise

89 – Tanzania come close to an equaliser from a corner. Ndidi slices the ball poorly back toward the near post, where defender Ibrahim Hamad attempts to connect with the bouncing ball.

Hamad fails to make proper contact, sending the chance wide and picking up a cramp in the process, leaving Tanzania frustrated as time runs out.

Osimhen Replaced by Onuachu

86 – Victor Osimhen is substituted, making way for towering striker Paul Onuachu.

Osimhen removes his face mask and leaves the pitch looking displeased, but Nigeria coach Eric Chelle calls him back briefly to give further instructions.

Onuachu now takes over Nigeria’s attacking duties as the Super Eagles look to maintain their 2–1 lead.

Tanzania Push Forward but Fail to Capitalise

84 – Tanzania show renewed energy as Haji Mnoga wins the ball from Moses Simon with a strong but fair tackle.

Shortly after, Kelvin John leads a counter-attack and has an opportunity to play Mnoga in space down the right. Instead, he opts to shoot from a tight angle, but his effort flies wide.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was well-positioned and would have had it covered.

Nigeria Deny Tanzania From Set-Piece, Dele-Bashiru Denied

82 – A careless foul by Zaidu Sanusi gives Tanzania a dangerous free-kick, but the delivery from Miroshi is cleared by the Nigerian defence.

Nigeria quickly counter, with Bright Osayi-Samuel driving down the right after a strong slide tackle. His cross finds Victor Osimhen, who brings the ball under control, only for Dickson Job to make a crucial block.

The ball falls to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose shot beats goalkeeper Zuberi Foba, but the Tanzanian keeper recovers quickly to make an excellent save, keeping the score at 2–1.

Tanzania makes two more changes 

79 – Tanzania make two changes in an effort to strengthen their defence and midfield.

Dickson Job replaces veteran Shomari Kapombe, while Haji Mnoga of Salford City comes on for Tarryn Allarakhia. The adjustments aim to add energy and stability as Tanzania chase an equaliser.

Osimhen misses again!

68- Alex Iwobi produces a neat through ball into the inside-left channel for Victor Osimhen, who beats the offside trap and races clear of the Tanzanian defence.

From a tight angle, the striker opts to shift the ball onto his right foot instead of shooting early with his left, allowing goalkeeper Zuberi Foba to close him down and make a comfortable save.

Foba has looked confident and assured on his first international appearance for Tanzania.

Tanzania Make Substitution

63 mins –  Tanzania introduce fresh legs as Kelvin John of Aalborg replaces Simon Msuva in an attempt to boost their attacking threat.

The 22-year-old forward is expected to add pace and directness as the Taifa Stars chase an equaliser.

Foba Denies Lookman

61 mins – Nigeria come close to extending their lead as Moses Simon makes an immediate impact down the left flank, delivering a teasing cross into the box.

Victor Osimhen redirects the ball into the path of Ademola Lookman, whose powerful volley takes a deflection before Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba reacts sharply to tip it over the bar for a corner.

The resulting set piece, however, fails to produce a goal.

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Double subs for Nigeria

59-Nearly an hour gone and Eric Chelle, the Nigeria manager, makes the universal symbol for a sub, rolling his finger over his other finger in a circular motion. Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio is on, striker Akor Adams off, and winger Moses Simon (whose middle name is ‘Daddy’) replaces Samuel Chukwueze.

52 mins – Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
GOAL! Ademola Lookman restores Nigeria’s lead with a brilliant finish, rifling home from inside the box after sustained pressure from the Super Eagles. It is a superb strike that sends Nigeria back in front in Fez.

51 mins – Nigeria 1–1 Tanzania
Tanzania had briefly drawn level through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished clinically after a clever build-up. The midfielder arrived late into the box to volley low past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, punishing Nigeria’s defensive lapse.

50 mins – Nigeria 1–1 Tanzania
GOAL! Tanzania equalise. M’Mombwa’s strike stands after a VAR check confirms no infringement.

48 mins – Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania
NO GOAL! VAR rules out Victor Osimhen’s effort for offside. The striker had flicked home a low cross from Akor Adams, but replays show he narrowly overshot his run.

46 mins – Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania
Second half underway at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Nigeria restart with a one-goal advantage.

Nigeria now push for a third goal as Tanzania look to respond once again in what has become an open and entertaining contest in Group C.