Lookman Inspires Super Eagles to Thrilling 2–1 AFCON Win Over Tanzania

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Nigeria set the tempo from the opening whistle, playing with intensity and purpose as they pushed Tanzania deep into their half.

Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams were lively early on, repeatedly testing goalkeeper Zuberi Foba, who was kept busy with a series of sharp saves.

Victor Osimhen’s presence unsettled the Tanzanian defence, drawing fouls and creating space with his constant movement, while Ademola Lookman tormented his marker by drifting inside from the wing.

Despite Nigeria’s dominance, Tanzania showed resilience and looked dangerous on the break, with Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta forcing Stanley Nwabali into action.

.
Nigeria’s pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi’s expertly delivered corner found Semi Ajayi unmarked, and the defender powered a header into the bottom corner to hand the Super Eagles a deserved lead.

Nigeria nearly doubled their advantage before half-time, striking the woodwork through Akor Adams and forcing more saves from Foba, but went into the interval just one goal ahead.

The second half began dramatically, as Tanzania caught Nigeria cold. A quick attack down the right saw Novatus Miroshi whip in a cross that Charles M’Mombwa finished from close range, bringing the scores level.

Nigeria’s response was swift and decisive.

Just minutes later, Lookman picked up a pass from Iwobi at the edge of the area and bent a superb left-footed shot into the corner, restoring the Super Eagles’ lead.

From there, the match opened up, with chances flowing at both ends. Osimhen, Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all came close to adding to Nigeria’s tally, but Foba stood firm to keep Tanzania in contention.

Ultimately, Lookman’s moment of brilliance proved decisive, as Nigeria held on for a hard-fought 2–1 victory and claimed three crucial points.