Eben Enasco Reporting.
Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener, thanks to a stunning strike from Ademola Lookman.
The match, played in pouring rain in Fes, Morocco, saw Nigeria dominate possession and create several chances, but they were made to work hard for the victory.
Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria in front in the 36th minute, but Tanzania equalized five minutes after halftime through Charles M’Mombwa.
However, Lookman’s decisive goal, just two minutes later, restored Nigeria’s lead and secured the win.
The win, has eased the Super Eagles past stubborn opposition despite missed chances and a brief second-half scare.
Nigeria were more dominant than the scoreline suggested in terms of possession and chances, but they failed to finish off the contest and were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal by their East African opponents.
The Super Eagles will now look to build on this momentum against Tunisia on Saturday.
Tunisia and Uganda play their opening Group C match later on Tuesday in Rabat.
Tanzania are now winless in 10 Cup of Nations fixtures, with three draws and seven defeats in that time. While they never quite looked as though they would end that run in this match, they will feel they should have earned a draw after creating several late chances.
Meanwhile, A Nicolas Jackson double has helped Senegal get its Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start, defeating Botswana 3-0 in Tangier.
Senegal, the winner of the AFCON 2021, was the hot favourite going into the match against a team ranked 138th in the world.