Nigeria begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey on Tuesday night with a Group C opener against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Runners-up at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco seeking redemption after missing out on qualification for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Twelve years have passed since Nigeria last lifted the continental crown, and while the squad still brims with elite European-based talent, momentum has been uneven under new head coach Éric Chelle.
A revised CAF qualification format briefly reignited Nigeria’s World Cup hopes earlier this year, but penalty heartbreak against DR Congo in the decisive playoff confirmed another painful absence from the global stage. That setback was followed by a narrow friendly defeat to Egypt, tempering optimism heading into AFCON.
Still, rankings and pedigree suggest Nigeria should open with a win. The Super Eagles sit 38th on the FIFA rankings, a full 74 places above Tanzania, though recent history serves as a warning. Nigeria were held to a 1–1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening match at the last AFCON before eventually reaching the final.
Tanzania, meanwhile, arrive with far less pressure but plenty of ambition. The Taifa Stars are competing at their fifth AFCON finals yet are still chasing a first-ever win at the tournament. Qualification came via a strong finish in Group H, but head coach Hemed Suleiman paid the price soon after, with Argentine tactician Miguel Gamondi taking charge in November.
Gamondi’s task is formidable. Tanzania are winless in seven matches, have lost their last four, and have scored just twice in that run. Yet with the country set to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Kenya, signs of progress, however small, would be warmly welcomed.
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Nigeria vs Tanzania: Head-to-head
Nigeria have historically dominated this fixture.
The Super Eagles have won three of the last five meetings and have kept clean sheets in three of those encounters. Tanzania have failed to score against Nigeria in their last three meetings, including a narrow 1–0 defeat in their most recent competitive clash.
This will be only the second time both nations meet at AFCON finals, the first coming in 1980 when Nigeria won 3–1
Team news
Nigeria arrive with notable absentees. Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick miss out through injury, while former captain William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football, leaving Wilfred Ndidi to take over the armband.
Chelle is expected to persist with a 4-4-2 diamond, anchored by Ndidi in midfield. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi should form the central defensive pairing, flanked by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi. Stanley Nwabali remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper following Maduka Okoye’s omission.
Further forward, Samuel Chukwueze comes into the tournament in strong club form, while Alex Iwobi offers control and creativity from midfield. Ademola Lookman, among the top scorers at the last AFCON, will operate just behind the forwards, supporting Victor Osimhen and debutant Akor Adams. Osimhen, six goals shy of Nigeria’s all-time scoring record, remains the focal point.
Tanzania report no fresh injury concerns. Gamondi has selected a balanced 28-man squad dominated by home-based players, with experience provided by long-serving stars Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta.
Msuva could earn his 100th international cap and is one goal shy of equalling Mrisho Ngasa’s national scoring record. Samatta, meanwhile, sits three goals behind that landmark and will lead the line.
Possible lineups
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Chukwueze; Lookman, Osimhen.
Tanzania:
Suleiman; Kaponbe, Mwamnyeto, D. Job, Husseini; Miroshi, Salum; Msuva, M’Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
Match details
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025
- Group: C
- Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco
- Date: Tuesday, December 23.
- Kickoff time:
- Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Beida is one of CAF’s most experienced officials and recently served as VAR during Morocco’s opening 2–0 win over Comoros.
What are they saying?
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria’s most valuable player):
“We’re going to war, and Tuesday is the first one. We will give everything, and we’re not underrating anyone.
“There are many favourites in this competition, and we’re going to give our all to realise our dream of winning the AFCON.”
Miguel Gamondi (Tanzania head coach):
“Our preparation is good. The conditions here are excellent and the spirit in the camp is very positive. We are excited to represent Tanzania at this Africa Cup of Nations.”
Prediction
Nigeria’s defensive frailties remain a concern, with the Super Eagles conceding in five of their last six matches.
Tanzania’s attack, though often blunt, could exploit those weaknesses. With superior quality in midfield and firepower up front, the Super Eagles should have enough to secure a controlled, professional opening victory.
Tip: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
