AFCON 2025
Tanzania manager Miguel Gamondi has hailed Super Eagles Ademola Lookman after the 28-year-old scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Nigeria’s Group C Africa Cup of Nations opener on Tuesday night in Fez, Morocco.
The Atalanta forward restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes after Charles M’Mombwa restored parity for the Taifa Stars.
Hull City defender, Semi Ajayi had earlier given the Super Eagles the lead with a header from Alex Iwobi’s cross off an improvised corner-kick.
Lookman unleashed a left-footed strike from the edge of the box that found the back of the net.
In a post-match reaction, Gamondi termed Lookman’s goal as a moment of individual brilliance.
“Luckily they scored very quickly. They scored from an individual action. A great quality from one of the best players in the world,” he said.
The Argentine coach said his team needs to improve, especially in defending set-pieces and converting chances while reflecting on Tanzania’s performance.
“Our plan is to improve our game, try to improve, try to see how we want to improve, especially defending and set pieces, and try to be more realistic in the goal situation,” he said.
“But we need to continue to believe in ourselves, a little bit more tactical work to play together. I cannot say desperately, but we are very anxious to win a game.”
Meanwhile, he praised his team’s effort against a quality side like Nigeria.
Gamondi admitted that conceding from a corner was unfortunate but expressed satisfaction with the overall display against a high-quality Nigerian side.
“Unluckily, we conceded this corner from a distraction; it was a mistake, but really, I’m more than happy to have this performance again. I think a high team like Nigeria,” he concluded.
