Having failed to qualify for their second consecutive FIFA World Cup finals last month, Éric Chelle’s side knew a positive response was needed in Morocco.
The Super Eagles quickly stamped their authority on proceedings, with Akor Adams seeing an angled effort saved by Zuberi Foba before the Sevilla forward powered a close-range header agonisingly against the bar.
Tanzania briefly threatened when Simon Msuva’s acrobatic strike was comfortably held by Stanley Nwabali, while at the other end, Victor Osimhen rounded Foba, only for Bakari Mwamnyeto to clear the Nigerian striker’s effort off the line.
Not to be denied, Chelle’s men took a deserved lead from the subsequent corner, as Semi Ajayi glanced Alex Iwobi’s inswinging delivery into the far corner.
The Super Eagles went close to doubling their lead on the stroke of half time, but Foba stood firm in the Tanzania goal, denying Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze in quick succession.
Those saves proved to be crucial, as the Taifa Stars drew level five minutes into the second period, when Novatus Miroshi’s cross found Charles M’Mombwa unmarked in the box, and the midfielder finished coolly on the volley.
Undeterred, Nigeria restored their advantage just two minutes later, as Ademola Lookman fashioned a yard of space for himself on the edge of the box and unleashed a superb strike into the far corner.
The Super Eagles looked to put the game beyond doubt with time ticking into the final half-hour, with Lookman seeing a deflected effort parried over the bar by Foba.
Chances continued to flow for Chelle’s side, but Iwobi fired narrowly over from 12 yards while Osimhen’s low strike was smartly saved by Foba.
Determined to salvage a late point, Tanzania spurned a glorious opportunity in the closing stages when Ibrahim Hamad blazed over from close range, and that was ultimately their best chance, as Nigeria held firm to start Group C with a victory.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)