The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi ...
The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. The three-time African champions showed composure in the rain-soaked encounter, keeping the Taifa Stars at bay to begin their title push on a winning note.
The result reflected the tactical clarity of head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew, whose in-game adjustments and selections proved decisive. Here are three major tactical decisions that shaped the contest:
Victor Osimhen remains the focal point of Nigeria’s attack, but alongside him, Akor Adams is fast becoming the perfect strike partner. Though the match marked only their fourth appearance together, the understanding between the pair is already evident. While one forward occupied defenders, the other exploited space to threaten goal.
Adams also dropped deep during transitions to press the Tanzanians, while Osimhen stretched the backline to disrupt their shape. The duo combined for nine attempts on goal, with VAR denying Osimhen a strike and Adams being frustrated by the woodwork and Tanzanian goalkeeper Zuberi Foba. Their growing partnership looks set to be a recurring feature against stubborn defences.
Starting Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze hinted at a traditional 4-4-2 setup built around crosses into the box. However, the match heat map told a different story: both wingers spent long spells drifting into central areas to overload Tanzania’s compact defence.
Chukwueze, in particular, excelled in that role during the opening half-hour. Lookman eventually sealed the win after cutting inside to the edge of the box, where Alex Iwobi’s pass found him in space to curl home the decisive effort.
Tanzania grew into the second half and levelled on 50 minutes, repeatedly exploiting the gaps in midfield as fatigue set in for Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi. Recognising the imbalance, Chelle reacted shortly after Nigeria regained the lead by introducing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Akor Adams.
The substitution helped Nigeria regain control, reducing Tanzania’s threat through the middle. Dele-Bashiru contributed defensively with key blocks and also tested the goalkeeper at the other end as the Eagles managed the closing stages professionally to secure all three points.
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