Nigeria make winning start to AFCON campaign after seeing off Tanzania

The Super Eagles came into the continental tournament with a point to prove after DR Congo ended their hopes of the qualifying for the global competition.

Nigeria immediately started on the front foot with Victor Osimhen prominent in attack.

The Super Eagles' pressure finally told in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi got on the end of a teasing Alex Iwobi cross and buried a header into the back of the net.

Tanzania stunned the crowd and their more illustrious opponents when they found an equaliser just five minutes after the halftime interval.

Charles M'Mombwa sprung the offside trap to get behind the Nigeria defence in the 50 minute and beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Tanzania's joy was short-lived though as, just two minutes later, Nigeria went back in front when Ademola Lookman struck a brilliant long-range left-footed effort that gave shot-stopper Zuberi Foba no chance.

Tanzania did threaten to find another equaliser with forages into the final third but could make it count when it mattered most.

Nigeria eventually saw out the contest to make a winning start to Group C that also includes Tunisia and Uganda.

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