Nigeria secured a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, in their AfCON opening match with Ademola Lookman striking the decisive goal barely a minute after the Taifa Stars had drawn level.
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi powered home a towering header from an Alex Iwobi corner, nine minutes before the break.
Before that goal, Tanzanian center-back Bakari Mwamnyeto cleared Victor Osimhen’s close-range effort off the line.
VAR reviewed ruled Osimhen backheeled goal offside, minutes into the second half.
That reprieve sparked Tanzania into action. A perfectly weighted through ball from Novatus Dismas split the Nigerian defense, allowing Charles M’Mbowa to race through and calmly slot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to level the scores.
However, Nigeria responded instantly. Straight from the restart, Lookman found space in the area and made no mistake, restoring the Super Eagles’ lead.
“It’s an amazing feeling to score for your country, and in such a game it gives us the possibility of getting a good start,” Ajayi said.
Nigeria will next face Tunisia, who opened their campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda.
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