Nigeria got off to a successful start in the Africa Cup thanks to Leverkusen shock Ademola Lookman. There was a narrow 2:1 (1:0) win against Tanzania.
Semi Ajayi (36th) and Ademola Lookman (52nd) scored for the co-favorites in Group C. Charles M’Mombwa (50th) briefly equalized for Tanzania.
Nigeria has already won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, most recently twelve years ago in South Africa with a 1-0 final win against Burkina Faso. At the last Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, Nigeria lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final.
Ajayi heads Nigeria into the lead
In pouring rain in Fez, in the north of Morocco, the first half clearly belonged to the favorites from Nigeria. The “Super Eagles” with star striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray Istanbul had the better chances to score, but had to wait until the 36th minute before Semi Ajayi after a nice cross from Alex Iwobi to make it 1-0.
In stoppage time, Tanzania’s keeper Zuberi Foba prevented Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC) from making it 2-0 with a strong save.
Lookman scores to make it 2-1
The second period started turbulently with an early goal for Tanzania. Novatus Dismas crossed from far from the left halffield to the second post. There, Charles M’Mombwa evaded his guards and pushed the ball over the line from five meters to equalize 1-1.
Less than two minutes later, the Super Eagles, who had suffered a defeat in November, responded Playoffs missed the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo. It was Ademola Lookman from Atalanta Bergamo who, after a nice individual effort, scored with his left into the right corner to take the lead again.
When Lookman beat Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen fans still have bitter, bad memories of Lookman. Last May he almost single-handedly defeated the Werkself in the Europa League final with his three goals. He destroyed Leverkusen’s treble dream and ended Bayer’s impressive unbeaten streak.
This time his goal decided the opening game against Tanzania. The “Super Eagles” will now meet the Tunisians, who are also highly traded, on Saturday (December 27th, 9 p.m.). Before that, Tanzania plays against Uganda (6 p.m.).