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Contenders Senegal, Nigeria start Cup of Nations campaigns with wins

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Nigeria's defender Semi Ajayi (R) celebrates his goal during the Africa Cup of Nations Group C match vs Tanzania at Fez Stadium in Fes on December 23, 2025. [Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP]

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as much-fancied Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations bid with a convincing 3-0 win over Botswana on Tuesday, while Nigeria's Super Eagles made harder work of their opening match against Tanzania before claiming a 2-1 victory.

Elsewhere there were also wins for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia as the first round of group matches continued in Morocco, often in torrential rain.

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