Nigeria kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Match Round 1 at the ongoing tournament. The encounter, which took place at the vibrant stadium, saw both teams showcasing their skills and determination to secure a positive result.
The opening goal of the match came in the 36th minute when Nigeria’s Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Ibidapo Ajayi found the back of the net, giving his team the much-needed lead. Ajayi’s clinical finish sent the Nigerian fans into jubilation as they hoped to see their team maintain the advantage.
However, Tanzania had other plans as they fought back in the second half, with Charles William MMombwa equalizing the scoreline in the 50th minute with a well-taken goal. The Tanzanian supporters erupted in cheers as their team showed resilience and character to level the playing field.
The game took another turn just two minutes later when Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman seized the opportunity to put his team back in front with a precise strike in the 52nd minute. Lookman’s goal reignited the Nigerian supporters’ hopes and injected a sense of urgency into Tanzania’s gameplay.
Despite their best efforts, Tanzania couldn’t find the equalizer, and Nigeria held on to claim a crucial victory in their Africa Cup of Nations opener. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of fans, with Nigeria ultimately emerging victorious in a tightly contested affair.
Nigeria will look to build on this win as they progress through the tournament, while Tanzania will aim to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and fans can expect more excitement and drama as the competition unfolds.
- Nigeria will play with Tunisia. December 27 at 20:00 (GMT), on Complexe Sportif de Fès.
- Tanzania will play with Uganda. December 27 at 17:30 (GMT), on Al Barid Stadium.
Nigeria
- Stanley Bobo Nwabali (6.9)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (6.7)
- Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Ibidapo Ajayi (8)
- Calvin Bassey Ughelumba (7.2)
- Zaidu Sanusi (6.3)
- Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze (7.3)
- Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi (6.7)
- Alexander Chuka Iwobi (8.3)
- Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman (7.6)
- Victor James Osimhen (6.3)
- Akor Jerome Adams (6.5)
Tanzania
Substitutions:
Nigeria
- Akor Jerome Adams (Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, 59)
- Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze (Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon, 59)
- Victor James Osimhen (Ebere Paul Onuachu, 86)
Tanzania
- Simon Happygod Msuva (Kelvin Pius John, 62)
- Shomari Salum Kapombe (Haji Suleiman Haji Ali Mnoga, 79)
- Tarryn Allarakhia (Dickson Nickson Job, 79)
- Charles William MMombwa (Kibu Denis Prosper, 90)
Ball possession:
In a thrilling encounter between Nigeria and Tanzania, the ball possession statistics revealed a dominant display by the Super Eagles, commanding 59% of the possession compared to Tanzania’s 41%.
Nigeria’s attacking prowess was on full display as they launched a total of 21 shots towards the opposition goal, with 11 of those shots finding the target. The standout performer in terms of shot frequency was none other than Victor James Osimhen, who relentlessly tested the Tanzanian defense with his sharpshooting abilities.
On the other hand, Tanzania put up a valiant effort, mustering a total of 11 shots on target, with 3 shots hitting the mark. Charles William MMombwa stood out for the Taifa Stars with his precision in front of goal, making the most impactful hits on target for his team.
The match showcased a dynamic display of attacking football, with both sides creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Nigeria’s superior ball possession and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive in securing victory, while Tanzania’s resilience in defense and spirited attacking play kept the contest competitive until the final whistle.
In conclusion, the match between Nigeria and Tanzania was a testament to the excitement and drama that football can offer, with both teams showcasing their talents and determination on the pitch. The Super Eagles’ dominance in possession and efficiency in front of goal saw them emerge victorious, but Tanzania’s spirited performance ensured a captivating spectacle for fans and neutrals alike.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Nigeria and Tanzania, Alexander Chuka Iwobi showcased his exceptional passing skills, leading his team to a dominant performance. With a remarkable pass accuracy of 90% out of a total of 76 passes, Iwobi’s precision on the ball was a key factor in Nigeria’s control of the game.
On the other side, Novatus Dismas Miroshi of Tanzania displayed a pass accuracy of 79% from 58 passes, contributing to his team’s efforts in the midfield battle. However, it was Iwobi’s influence that truly stood out on the pitch.
Iwobi’s impact extended beyond just completion rates, as he also delivered a staggering 6 key passes throughout the match, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. In contrast, Alphonce Mabula Msanga of Tanzania managed 2 key passes, highlighting Iwobi’s playmaking prowess.
Overall, Nigeria’s victory can be attributed in part to Iwobi’s exceptional passing accuracy and creativity on the field. His ability to dictate play and unlock defenses with his precise passing was instrumental in securing a convincing win for his team.
Defense:
In a fiercely contested match between Nigeria and Tanzania, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams displayed resolute efforts to thwart their opponent’s attacking threats. The game, which ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, was a showcase of tactical discipline and tenacity at the back.
Nigeria’s defensive line put in a solid shift, with a total of 4 interceptions throughout the match. Leading the way for the Super Eagles was the formidable Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi, who showcased his defensive acumen with an impressive tally of 3 interceptions. Bright Osayi-Samuel also contributed to Nigeria’s defensive efforts with 1 interception, showcasing the team’s commitment to disrupting Tanzania’s attacking rhythm.
On the other side, Tanzania’s defense was equally resolute, tallying a total of 8 interceptions. Shomari Salum Kapombe stood out for the Taifa Stars with 2 interceptions, demonstrating his ability to read the game and snuff out danger. Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto also played a crucial role in Tanzania’s defensive efforts, contributing 2 interceptions to keep Nigeria’s attacking threats at bay.
Overall, both teams showcased a strong defensive mindset, with interceptions playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match. The tactical battles at the back were intense, with defenders from both sides showcasing their ability to anticipate and react to their opponent’s movements.
Despite the deadlock on the scoreboard, the match was a testament to the importance of defensive solidity in football. Both Nigeria and Tanzania can take pride in their defensive performances, as they displayed resilience and determination in thwarting their opponent’s advances. The final whistle signaled a hard-fought draw, with both teams leaving the pitch knowing that their defensive efforts had played a crucial role in securing a valuable point.
Face-to-face:
In a thrilling encounter between Nigeria and Tanzania, the face-to-face duels for the ball were a key aspect of the match. The leaders in this aspect were Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze from Nigeria, who engaged in 8 intense battles for possession, and Shomari Salum Kapombe from Tanzania, who was involved in 7 fierce duels.
Chukwueze’s tenacity and determination were evident throughout the match as he fought relentlessly to win the ball back for his team. His ability to read the game and anticipate his opponent’s movements allowed him to come out on top in many of the face-to-face contests.
On the other side, Kapombe showcased his defensive prowess and physicality in the duels, making it difficult for the Nigerian attackers to break through. His commitment to winning the ball back and protecting his team’s goal was commendable, as he battled hard against the Nigerian players.
Overall, the face-to-face duels between Chukwueze and Kapombe added an extra layer of excitement to the match, showcasing the intensity and competitive spirit of both players. Their determination and skill in these battles were a testament to their importance in the game and left a lasting impact on the outcome of the match.
In the end, Nigeria emerged victorious in a hard-fought contest, with Chukwueze’s contributions in the face-to-face duels proving crucial to their success. Tanzania, led by Kapombe’s defensive resilience, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against their formidable opponents.
The duel between Chukwueze and Kapombe was a true highlight of the match, capturing the essence of competitive football and showcasing the talent and determination of both players.
Fouls:
- Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman (Nigeria) at 58 minute
Yellow cards:
The last five games (including this match):
- Nigeria – W
- Tanzania – L
Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations scorers:
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube (2, Zimbabwe)
- Nicolas Jackson (2, Senegal)
- Brahim Abdelkader Díaz (1, Morocco)
- Lassine Sinayoko (1, Mali)
- Charles William MMombwa (1, Tanzania)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Nigeria will play with Tunisia. December 27 at 20:00 (GMT), on Complexe Sportif de Fès.
- Tanzania will play with Uganda. December 27 at 17:30 (GMT), on Al Barid Stadium.
