Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in a Group E match on December 24, 2025. The Super Eagles navigated a potentially tricky fixture, showing resilience to see off a spirited Tanzanian challenge. Nigeria established a two-goal lead in the first half with two well-taken goals, seemingly putting them in control. Tanzania halved the deficit early in the second half, setting up a tense finale. Nigeria managed the game well in the closing stages, with their defense holding firm under pressure to secure the win. The three points were vital for Nigeria's ambitions in a group containing Algeria, giving them early momentum in the tournament.