Match report

Nigeria Defeats Tanzania 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations Thriller

Nigeria
Nigeria
2–1
FT
Tanzania
Tanzania
Dec 23, 2025

Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations match, overcoming a brief equalizer from Tanzania's M'Mombwa. Stars like Ajayi and Lookman led the charge for Nigeria, while Tanzania's efforts were commendable despite the loss.

Key Facts

  • • Nigeria scored first through S. Ajayi in the 36th minute, assisted by A. Iwobi.
  • • Tanzania leveled the score through C. M'Mombwa in the 50th minute, with an assist from N. Miroshi.
  • • A. Lookman scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 52nd minute, also assisted by A. Iwobi.
  • • A. Lookman received a yellow card for a foul in the 58th minute.
  • • Nigeria made multiple substitutions in the second half, including A. Adams and S. Chukwueze.

Lineups

Nigeria

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Starting XI

  • 23 S. Nwabali (G)
  • 2 B. Osayi-Samuel (D)
  • 6 S. Ajayi (D)
  • 21 C. Bassey (D)
  • 3 Zaidu (D)
  • 11 S. Chukwueze (M)
  • 4 W. Ndidi (M)
  • 17 A. Iwobi (M)
  • 7 A. Lookman (M)
  • 9 V. Osimhen (F)
  • 22 A. Adams (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 A. Obasogie
  • 1 F. Uzoho
  • 27 R. Alebiosu
  • 20 C. Awaziem
  • 5 I. Ogbu
  • 13 B. Onyemaechi
  • 26 E. Akinsanmiro
  • 10 F. Dele-Bashiru
  • 28 T. Nnadi
  • 18 R. Onyedika
  • 8 F. Onyeka
  • 12 C. Dessers
  • 24 C. Ejuke
  • 19 P. Onuachu
  • 15 M. Simon

Tanzania

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 28 Z. Foba
  • 22 S. Kapombe (D)
  • 14 B. Mwamnyeto (D)
  • 4 I. Hamad (D)
  • 15 M. Hussein (D)
  • 27 A. Msanga (M)
  • 20 N. Miroshi (M)
  • 12 S. Msuva (M)
  • 8 C. M'Mombwa (M)
  • 26 T. Allarakhia (M)
  • 10 A. Samatta (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 H. Masalanga
  • 2 P. Msindo
  • 5 D. Job
  • 3 N. Kibabage
  • 25 H. Mnoga
  • 19 L. Mwaikenda
  • 16 W. Nangu
  • 18 M. Abraham
  • 23 Y. Kagoma
  • 17 K. Habibu
  • 24 K. Nashon
  • 7 I. Nado
  • 11 D. Kibu
  • 21 K. John

Timeline

  1. Nigeria
    36' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Ajayi · Assist: A. Iwobi
  2. Tanzania
    50' Tanzania Goal · Normal Goal
    C. M'Mombwa · Assist: N. Miroshi
  3. Nigeria
    52' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Lookman · Assist: A. Iwobi
  4. Nigeria
    58' Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    A. Lookman

    Foul

  5. Nigeria
    59' Nigeria subst · Substitution 1
    Off: A. Adams · On: F. Dele-Bashiru
  6. Nigeria
    59' Nigeria subst · Substitution 2
    Off: S. Chukwueze · On: M. Simon
  7. Tanzania
    62' Tanzania subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Msuva · On: K. John
  8. Tanzania
    79' Tanzania subst · Substitution 2
    Off: T. Allarakhia · On: D. Job
  9. Tanzania
    79' Tanzania subst · Substitution 3
    Off: S. Kapombe · On: Haji Mnoga
  10. Nigeria
    86' Nigeria subst · Substitution 3
    Off: V. Osimhen · On: P. Onuachu
  11. Tanzania
    90'+1 Tanzania subst · Substitution 4
    Off: C. M'Mombwa · On: D. Kibu

Match Stats

Stat Nigeria Tanzania
Fouls 23 7
Pass Accuracy 89% 79%
Offsides 1 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 21 11
Corners 6 6
Total Passes 507 348
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 3 3
Shots on Target 11 3
xG — —
Shots off Target 7 5
Possession 59% 41%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 451 276
Shots Inside Box 14 8
Saves 2 8
Shots Outside Box 7 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ S. Ajayi's early goal set the tone for Nigeria, giving them a crucial lead.
  • ▸ A. Lookman's quickfire goal just two minutes after Tanzania's equalizer restored Nigeria's lead and ultimately secured the win.