By our correspondent
Super Eagles earned the maximum points in their opening tie against Tafia Stars of Tanzania at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations at Fes Stadium.
The Nigerians ran away with a slim 2-1 victory, thanks to the second goal from Atalanta goal poacher Ademola Lookman.
Central defender, Sey Ajayi headed home the first goal in the 36th minute following a cross from Alex Iwobi from the right flank.
The Super Eagles began the encounter on a good note with Adams Akor hitting the cross bar in the 10th minute.
The Tafia Stars thereafter came out of their shell and dominated the midfield but they were contained by Super Eagles defense marshalled by Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi.
The game later became a ding dong affair until midway 35th minute when the Nigeria’s rock of defense charged forward to disorganize the Taifa defense but his effort was wasted by Super Eagles arrow head Victor Osimhen who shot wide with only the Tanzania’s goalie to beat.
Minutes later the Taifa Stars were punished for losing the ball in the midfield as a lose ball found Iwobi who floated the ball into the box for Semi Ajayi to nod home in the 36th minute.
The Super Eagles would have made it 2-0 in the dying seconds of the first half but Chukwueze weak shot was blocked.
On resumption of the second stanza, Osimhen goal was ruled off after a VAR check by the centre referee.
M Mombwa however brought the Tazanians back into the game when he capitalized on a loose ball to draw level in the 50th minute.
But Nigeria went ahead again in the 52nd minute through former African Footballer of the year, Ademola Lookman with a rifle from outside the box to put Nigeria back in front.
Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle later made two changes with Moses Simon coming for Chukwueze and Dele Bashiru replacing Akor Adams.
Paul Onachu also replaced Nigeria’s talisman Osimhen in the 85th minute, but his inclusion did not make any difference as the game ended 2-1.
