ADEMOLA LOOKMAN SECURED a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.
After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.
Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.
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However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.
Group C action continued later on with Elias Achouri’s double helping Tunisia ease to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their opening game.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener and FC Copenhagen winger Achouri then scored twice either side of half-time in a game played in relentless rain in Rabat. Denis Omedi netted a late consolation for Uganda.
The result leaves Tunisia on top of Group C after the opening round of matches, above Nigeria on goal difference.
Earlier, in Group D, Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson grabbed a brace as Senegal eased to a 3-0 victory over Botswana.
Jackson, on loan at the Bundesliga giants from Chelsea, struck either side of half-time in Tangier, with Cherif Ndiaye completing the scoring late on.
The victory took Senegal to the top of their table on goal difference, ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat Benin 1-0 in Rabat earlier.
It was a predictable outcome to the first match of the tournament for both teams as Senegal are 119 places above Botswana in the world rankings.
Senegal and DR Congo, both former champions, are expected to fill the top two places and qualify for the round of 16.
Benin and Botswana will view their clash on Saturday as a must-win affair, giving potential victors a chance to fill one of four places in the knockout stage reserved for third-placed teams.
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Wasteful Nigeria avoid a scare but classy Senegal too good for Botswana
LAST UPDATE | 23 Dec 2025
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN SECURED a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.
After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.
Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.
However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.
Group C action continued later on with Elias Achouri’s double helping Tunisia ease to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their opening game.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener and FC Copenhagen winger Achouri then scored twice either side of half-time in a game played in relentless rain in Rabat. Denis Omedi netted a late consolation for Uganda.
The result leaves Tunisia on top of Group C after the opening round of matches, above Nigeria on goal difference.
Earlier, in Group D, Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson grabbed a brace as Senegal eased to a 3-0 victory over Botswana.
Jackson, on loan at the Bundesliga giants from Chelsea, struck either side of half-time in Tangier, with Cherif Ndiaye completing the scoring late on.
The victory took Senegal to the top of their table on goal difference, ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat Benin 1-0 in Rabat earlier.
It was a predictable outcome to the first match of the tournament for both teams as Senegal are 119 places above Botswana in the world rankings.
Senegal and DR Congo, both former champions, are expected to fill the top two places and qualify for the round of 16.
Benin and Botswana will view their clash on Saturday as a must-win affair, giving potential victors a chance to fill one of four places in the knockout stage reserved for third-placed teams.
– © AFP 2025
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