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Nigeria kicks off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on December 23, 2025, at Fez Stadium in Morocco. The Super Eagles aim to redeem themselves after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo that denied them a spot in the 2026 World Cup. As runners-up in the 2023 edition, Nigeria enters Group C as favorites. Tanzania, making their fourth appearance, seeks their first-ever AFCON win but faces an uphill battle.
The Super Eagles boast a star-studded squad. Victor Osimhen leads the attack with his prolific scoring, having netted 31 goals for Nigeria and nearing the all-time record. Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze provide flair on the wings, while Alex Iwobi connects midfield to the forwards.
Wilfred Ndidi captains the side and anchors the midfield with his defensive prowess. Coach Éric Chelle favors a 4-3-3 formation that maximizes athleticism and allows fluid interchanges upfront. However, injuries sideline Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick.
Tanzania struggles with form, remaining winless in their last seven matches and losing the final four. Interim coach Miguel Gamondi takes charge after Hemed Suleiman’s dismissal. The Taifa Stars rely on Kelvin John to lead the line, with Feisal Salum and Novatus Miroshi in midfield. They adopt a compact, defensive approach, focusing on counters and set pieces. Injuries hit hard, with goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman out and Feisal Salum suspended for the opener.
Head-to-head records favor Nigeria heavily. The Super Eagles won four of seven encounters, with three draws and no losses to Tanzania. Their last meeting in 2016 ended in a 1-0 Nigerian victory during qualifiers. Tanzania failed to score in six of their last eight continental games, highlighting their blunt attack.
Predictions lean toward a Nigerian win. Analysts forecast scores like 2-0 or 2-1, emphasizing clean sheets given Tanzania’s poor scoring run.
