The Christmas season in Nigeria has officially shifted gears from carols to cheers. As the nation plunged into the heart of the December festivities, the Super Eagles provided the ultimate holiday gift: a hard-fought 2:1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
But the story isn’t just happening on the pitch; it’s happening in living rooms across the country. Data released by AFROSPORT reveals a staggering broadcast reach, with 27 million homes tuning in to witness the start of Nigeria’s quest for continental glory.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. The Super Eagles, carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations, didn’t disappoint. The breakthrough came in the first half when Semi Ajayi found the back of the net, sending millions into a frenzy.
While Tanzania proved to be a resilient opponent, the Nigerian side’s quality eventually shone through. The decisive moment arrived in the second half via a clinical finish from Ademola Lookman, sealing the three points and ensuring Nigeria sits comfortably at the start of the tournament.
In an era where premium sports content is often locked behind expensive paywalls, this AFCON tournament is breaking barriers. Of the 27 million homes that watched the opener, a massive 21 million accessed the game via Free-to-Air (FTA) TV.
This accessibility is the result of a strategic partnership between AfroSport, NWTV, CAF, and a network of broadcast partners designed to ensure that no Nigerian is left out of the national conversation.
”The AFCON 2025 is one of those increasingly rare occasions which is freely available to everyone to be part of a collective shared experience that will live long in the memory,” said Akintunde-Johnson Bada, Chief Consultant at AfroSport.
For many, the timing of the tournament adds a layer of magic to the competition. With the victory coming just 24 hours before Christmas Day, the win has set a triumphant tone for the national holiday.
”We are privileged to be of service to the millions of fans across the country,” the AfroSport leadership noted. “Our boys seek to bring the trophy home—the best Christmas gift to Nigerian football fans everywhere!”
AfroSport continues to cement its position as the primary hub for African sports media. Specializing in the management, production, and distribution of premium content, the group is dedicated to ensuring that the African diaspora remains connected to its sporting heroes. Beyond broadcasting, AfroSport is the force behind major events like the Unity Cup, driving the business of sport across Sub-Saharan Africa.
