Nigeria vs Tanzania: Player Ratings as Super Eagles Start AFCON 2025 With Hard-Fought Win
Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night in Fez, picking up three important points in Group C. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman sealed the win, although the Super Eagles produced a mixed performance overall.
Below are the player ratings for Nigeria following their opening AFCON 2025 match.
Player Ratings
Stanley Nwabali (GK) – 5/10
The goalkeeper was largely untested for long spells but looked uncertain when called upon. He reacted poorly for Tanzania’s equaliser, appealing for offside instead of setting himself to make a save.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 5/10
Solid enough defensively, but his attacking contribution was limited. He found good positions but lacked quality in his final delivery.
Semi Ajayi – 7/10
A strong display capped by Nigeria’s opening goal. He powered home a header from Alex Iwobi’s cross in the 35th minute and was generally reliable at the back. He was deservedly named official Man of the Match.
Calvin Bassey – 7/10
Calm and composed in defence. His passing helped Nigeria build from the back, though he did not dominate physically as much as expected.
Zaidu Sanusi – 4/10
A disappointing outing. Tanzania’s goal came from his side, as Charles M’Mombwa slipped in behind him to score. He also struggled going forward, wasting good crossing opportunities.
Wilfred Ndidi (C) – 6/10
A positive start to life as Super Eagles captain. Ndidi was strong in midfield, recording several interceptions and ball recoveries, though he kept things simple in possession.
Alex Iwobi – 8/10
Nigeria’s standout performer on the night. He provided the assist for Ajayi’s goal and was at the heart of most of Nigeria’s attacking play. His creativity and vision lifted the team and he controlled the tempo well.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6/10
Very lively in the first half and constantly carried the ball into dangerous areas. He created chances for teammates but lacked precision in the final moment and missed a good scoring opportunity.
Akor Adams – 5/10
A quiet game overall. He came close early on, hitting the crossbar from a corner, but struggled to get involved afterwards.
Ademola Lookman – 7/10
Scored the winning goal with a brilliant solo effort, driving inside before firing home with his weaker foot. Beyond the goal, he was energetic and linked play well.
Victor Osimhen – 5/10
An unusually subdued performance from Nigeria’s star striker. He had chances, including efforts after rounding the goalkeeper, but failed to score and looked tense in front of goal.
Substitutes
Moses Simon – 5/10
Added some energy after coming on but made limited impact.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 5/10
Worked hard in midfield and helped Nigeria manage the game late on.
Paul Onuachu – N/A
Did not get enough time or service to influence the match.
Match Summary
Nigeria started brightly and nearly scored inside the opening 10 minutes when Akor Adams was played through on goal. Victor Osimhen also missed early chances as the Super Eagles dominated possession.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Semi Ajayi headed home Alex Iwobi’s cross. Tanzania equalised shortly after the restart through Charles M’Mombwa, but Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead with a powerful strike.
Nigeria managed the game well in the closing stages to secure all three points and a positive start to AFCON 2025.
The Super Eagles will face Tunisia in their next Group C match on December 27, with Uganda also in the group.
