Victor Osimhen’s burning desire to deliver for Nigeria took centre stage on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles edged Tanzania 2–1 in a nervy Group C opener at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Nigeria’s status as overwhelming favourites, the encounter proved anything but straightforward. Semi Ajayi gave the Super Eagles an early lead before Tanzania stunned the crowd with an equaliser through Charles M’Mombwa.
Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s advantage just two minutes later, scoring what would ultimately be the winning goal.
For Osimhen, however, it was a night filled with frustration.
Nigeria’s most valuable player was heavily involved but repeatedly denied by fine margins. The Galatasaray striker twice beat the goalkeeper in the first half, only to be forced into impossible angles, while another effort was cleared off the line.
After the break, he thought he had scored, but the goal was chalked off for a razor-thin offside.
Osimhen also played a key role in Nigeria’s attacking rhythm, most notably providing a clever chested lay-off for Lookman, whose fierce strike was tipped over by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
With the Super Eagles struggling to put the game to bed, head coach Eric Chelle made a late tactical call, withdrawing Osimhen for Paul Onuachu five minutes from time.
The decision visibly upset the striker, who exchanged words with Chelle before heading to the bench.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi later played down the incident, stressing that Osimhen’s reaction came from passion, not discord.
“He’s a big player who wants the best for the team,” Ndidi said after the match.
“Maybe he was a bit frustrated because things didn’t go his way. It’s normal we’re human. He puts a lot of pressure on himself because he wants to win. I’ll speak to him.”
Coach Eric Chelle echoed a calm and measured response, choosing to focus on the positives while acknowledging areas for improvement.
“We created many chances in the first half,” Chelle said.
“In the second half, our mistakes gave Tanzania confidence. The most important thing is the three points, but it’s clear we still need to improve, especially in finishing games.”
Nigeria now sit second in Group C behind Tunisia, who defeated Uganda 3–1. The Super Eagles face the Carthage Eagles next on Saturday, December 27 a showdown expected to provide a clearer picture of Nigeria’s true AFCON ambitions.
