‘The Lookman Magic’ — Atalanta Star Fires 20-Yard Screamer to Rescue Wasteful Super Eagles in 2-1 Opener Thriller Against Tanzania

A moment of individual brilliance from Ademola Lookman saved Nigeria from an embarrassing opening-day slip-up, as the Super Eagles labored to a 2-1 victory over a resilient Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.

In a rain-drenched encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday night, Nigeria’s “Redemption Tour” nearly hit an early roadblock. Despite dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances, Eric Chelle’s men struggled to kill off a Taifa Stars side that refused to buckle under pressure.

The breakthrough initially arrived in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to meet a perfectly weighted cross from Alex Iwobi, powering a header into the far corner. Nigeria seemed poised to run away with the game, but a lack of clinical finishing—most notably from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams—kept the door open for an upset.

The second half began in dramatic fashion. Just five minutes after the restart, Tanzania’s Charles M’Mombwa silenced the traveling Nigerian fans by volleying home an equalizer after a rare lapse in the Super Eagles’ defense. With the specter of another disappointing result looming, it was Lookman who stepped up to the plate.

In the 52nd minute, the Atalanta forward collected the ball outside the penalty area, shifted it onto his left foot, and unleashed a rising 20-yard shot that scorched into the top corner of the net. The strike was so emphatic it left Tanzanian goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi rooted to the spot, effectively ending the Taifa Stars’ momentum.

“Ademola showed today why he is a world-class talent,” Coach Eric Chelle remarked after the game. “When the team was under pressure and the fans were nervous, he produced a goal out of nothing. That is the character we need in this tournament.”

While the win provides a platform for the Super Eagles, the performance left much to be desired. Nigeria spurned at least four clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities, including a strike by Osimhen that was chalked off by VAR for a marginal offside. The late stages of the game were nervy, as Tanzania’s Kelvin John missed a sitter in the 87th minute that would have split the points.

Nigeria must now shift their focus to Saturday, December 27, where they face a high-flying Tunisia side. The Carthage Eagles currently lead Group C on goal difference, making the weekend clash a potential decider for who tops the group.