Millions of football fans across Nigeria on Tuesday tuned in to watch the Super Eagles begin their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, as seasonal festivities gathered momentum nationwide.
The opening match reached an estimated 27 million homes, with about 21 million viewers accessing the game through Free-to-Air (FTA) television, broadcast by AfroSport in partnership with its network of affiliates across the country.
Nigeria took an early lead in the first half through Ajayi, before Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a decisive second-half strike to hand the Eagles a flying start in their quest for continental glory.
Commenting on the massive viewership, AfroSport Chief Consultant, Mr Akintunde-Johnson Bada, said the match once again demonstrated football’s unifying power, especially during the festive period.
“As we approach the national holiday, it is amazing to see the nation come together to cheer on our heroes as they seek to spread some festive joy,” Bada said.
He described AFCON 2025 as one of the few sporting events that still offers a truly shared national experience.
“AFCON 2025 is one of those increasingly rare occasions that is freely available to everyone, allowing millions to be part of a collective experience that will live long in the memory,” he added.
Bada expressed appreciation to stakeholders who made the free broadcast possible, noting that accessibility remained central to AfroSport’s vision.
“We are privileged to be of service to the millions of fans across the country and are thankful to NWTV, CAF and our broadcast sponsors for making it possible for Nigerians to come together to watch their heroes freely,” he said.
“As our boys continue their quest to bring the trophy home, we hope it becomes the best Christmas gift to football fans across the nation.”
AfroSport is a group of sports media companies serving as a hub for sports media and news relating to Africa and the African diaspora.
The organisation is involved in the management, production and distribution of sports media, with a long-standing history of delivering premium sports content across Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to broadcasting, AfroSport also organises sporting events, with the Unity Cup as its flagship competition, and aims to serve as a central platform for African sports content and business development.
