Nigeria, Dec. 24 -- It was a night of relief more than reassurance at the Complexe Sportif de Fes as the Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania national football team.

For a side that arrived in Morocco burdened with expectation after finishing runners-up in Ivory Coast last year, this was meant to be a statement. Instead, it became a reminder that at the Africa Cup of Nations, control is never guaranteed and dominance must be earned.

Nigeria got the result they needed, but the display lacked the authority expected of a tournament favourite. Only half of their attempts hit the target, a worrying indicator for a side built around attacking firepower.

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