The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations burst into action on Tuesday night with early statements from two continental heavyweights as Nigeria and Senegal opened their campaigns with convincing victories in their opening group matches.
In Group C, Nigeria began their AFCON 2025 journey with a gritty 2–1 win over a stubborn Tanzania side, securing maximum points despite an uneven performance. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman handed new head coach Eric Chelle a winning start, even as the Super Eagles were forced to dig deep after a brief second-half scare.
Nigeria lined up in an adventurous 4-4-2 formation, pairing Victor Osimhen with Akor Adams in attack while Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman operated from wide areas. The approach paid early dividends as Nigeria dominated possession and carved out chances, with Adams striking the crossbar and Osimhen going close after rounding the goalkeeper.
After sustained pressure, the breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute from a cleverly worked set piece. A quick corner caught Tanzania napping, Alex Iwobi delivered the cross, and Ajayi rose unchallenged to head home his first-ever AFCON goal.
Tanzania shocked Nigeria shortly after the restart when Charles M’Mombwa slipped in at the far post to equalize, punishing a rare defensive lapse. The response was immediate. Just two minutes later, Iwobi threaded a precise pass into Lookman’s path, and the forward calmly finished to restore Nigeria’s lead.
The goal marked Lookman’s ninth for Nigeria and his fourth in AFCON competition, underlining his growing influence on the continental stage. Nigeria pressed for a third, with Lookman denied by a fine save and Iwobi rattling the crossbar late on, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
Read also:
- S’Eagles arrive in USA for Ecuador friendly
- US friendly: S’Eagles prepare to format Ecuador
- NFF search: who gets Eagles coaching job?
The result sends Nigeria to the top of Group C ahead of a crucial clash with Tunisia, where another win would all but secure qualification.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Senegal delivered a commanding display in Group D, brushing aside Botswana 3–0 in rain-soaked conditions in Tangier. Nicolas Jackson starred with two goals as the Teranga Lions underlined their status as tournament favorites.
Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko kept the score respectable early on with a series of sharp saves, denying Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye. The resistance finally broke five minutes before halftime when Jackson found space in the box to convert Ismail Jakobs’ cross.
The Chelsea forward doubled his tally in the 58th minute with a composed finish, and substitute Cherif Ndiaye sealed the result in stoppage time as Senegal overwhelmed their opponents with relentless pressure. The champions registered 28 shots, 17 on target, and rarely looked troubled at the back.
Senegal now lead Group D on goal difference and will face DR Congo next, while Botswana, still searching for their first-ever AFCON win, must regroup quickly ahead of their clash with Benin.
With early victories from Nigeria and Senegal, AFCON 2025 has already set a high tempo, signaling a tournament where powerhouses mean business from the opening whistle.
