The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn into Group C of the AFCON 2025 competition alongside Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time AFCON winners claimed a silver medal in the 2023 edition of the tournament in Ivory Coast, and will be looking to go all the way in Morocco when the competition kicks off.
Tanzania head coach, Hemed Suleiman, in an interview with CAF Online, revealed his plans for his team, claiming they aim to get four points in a bid to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
“We want to aim for at least four points — that often makes one competitive for the knockout phase. Defensive solidity is central: clean sheets will be a benchmark of success,” the 55-year-old said.
“Offensively, we want to convert more of our chances. We have worked hard on transitions and set pieces because those margins often decide tight games. Consistency and discipline will be key.
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Suleiman aware of Nigeria's attacking threat
To reach the knockout stages, the Taifa Stars must secure good results against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the Tanzanian head coach lauded the attacking power of Eric Chelle's side.
“Nigeria is full of attacking talent and lethal creativity. They punish lapses in concentration.
“Tunisia is tactically disciplined and difficult to break down, a team that tests your patience. Uganda brings possession-based hunger and fight; their regional rivalry makes that fixture special.
“We will tailor our approach per game, but without losing our own identity.
“Many nations could go all the way to win it. Nigeria and Senegal have premier African-calibre squads, many playing in top European leagues.
“Morocco, as a host, has organisation, belief, and quality. Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria all carry depth and experience.
“That said, AFCON is unpredictable — the favourites are strong, but surprises happen,” the former Zanzibar coach continued.
While the Tanzanians don't house the biggest footballing names on the planet, their coach mentioned how he intends to get the best from his players.
“Balance is the guiding principle. Experience matters for game control and decision making, but you must blend it with youth, energy, flair and discipline.
“Our philosophy is collective performance over individual glory. Selection must reflect that balance, ensuring we are competitive now and building for the future.
“I'm very confident in our set-piece abilities. In tight tournaments, set pieces often decide matches.
“We have worked on variations in delivery and defended them intensively. Some of our players are already used to high-pressure set-piece scenarios from club play.
“We aim to balance surprise with structure. It’s an area we believe can give us an edge.
“Reaching knockouts would be a historic milestone, but it’s not the end — we would aim for a quarter-final showing, and continue building towards AFCON 2027 (when we co-host).
“Each round we pass strengthens our experience, raises expectations, and reinforces our long-term ambition: not just to qualify, but to compete consistently at this level,” the Tanzanian head concluded.
The Super Eagles kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd of December.
