AFCON Opener: Nigeria Edge Tanzania as Osimhen’s Fire Sparks Late Drama

Match overview

Nigeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday evening in the opening fixture of Group C, which also includes Tunisia and Uganda.

Simi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored in the 36th and 52nd minutes, while Tanzania’s Charles Mombwa pulled one back in the 50th.

Second-half drama

In the second half, Victor Osimhen appeared to extend the lead in the 46th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for offside.

In the 86th minute, Osimhen was substituted, replaced by Paul Onuachu.

Osimhen, who did not score in this match, left the pitch furious and began venting his frustration as coach Erik Chel and the staff struggled to calm the Galatasaray forward.

Fans were left buzzing as Nigeria secured a narrow win that could set the tone for the group stage.

P.S. Sniper joke 1: If anger were goals, Osimhen would have a hat-trick by now. Sniper joke 2: Maybe the VAR should start carrying a helmet to protect itself from mood swings.