On December 24, 2025, Nigeria faced Tanzania in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. The Super Eagles aimed to start their campaign strongly after finishing as runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament. In highlighted moments of the game, Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for Nigeria with a header in the first half, only for Tanzania's Charles M'Mombwa to equalize shortly after halftime. However, Nigeria quickly retaliated with a stunning goal from Ademola Lookman just two minutes later, sealing the match at a 2-1 victory. Nigeria's dominant possession and early chances highlighted their intent, although missed opportunities made them defensively anxious during the encounter. With this win, Nigeria set a positive tone for the tournament, hoping to make a meaningful impact after their heart-wrenching loss to Ivory Coast in the last final. The match's intensity was amplified by the challenging weather, as the players contended with heavy rain. Nigeria's preparation for the tournament reflects the team's focus on reclaiming glory and demonstrating commitment to their country's football legacy.