Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.
After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.
The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.
Related news: AFCON 2025: 24 Countries set for The Tournament in Morocco
Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.
But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.
Meanwhile, Lyle Foster scored a superb winner from outside the box as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations Group B in Marrakech on Monday, the first time they have won their opening match at the continental finals in 21 years.
Zambia’s Patson Daka scored with a spectacular diving header in stoppage time to see his side come from behind and force a 1-1 draw with Mali in their opening Group A clash at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Monday.
Mali looked in control for most of the encounter but paid the price for sitting back in the closing stages as Zambia staged a late recovery, with Daka leaping through the air to force home Mathews Banda’s curling cross two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game.
Mali next meet hosts Morocco in Rabat on Friday while Zambia take on Comoros in Casablanca the same day. Morocco are at the head of the standings after the host nation opened the tournament on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat.
