Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has acknowledged the scale of the challenge his side face against Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, but insists belief, discipline and effort will define how the Taifa Stars approach their Group C opener.
Speaking at the official pre-match news conference ahead of Tuesday’s fixture, the Argentina-born coach described the Super Eagles as one of Africa’s strongest teams, while making clear that Tanzania have no intention of approaching the game with fear.
Gamondi said his players are fully aware of the quality Nigeria possess, particularly in attacking areas, and stressed that concentration will be vital from the opening whistle.
“You don’t need to introduce the attacking force of Nigeria. When you see the quality of their players, you need to give more than 100 per cent.
“The smallest mistake against this kind of team can punish you.”
The Tanzania coach said games at this level are often decided by fine margins, making focus and discipline non-negotiable.
Photo Credit: Imago
According to Gamondi, Tanzania’s approach will be built on tactical structure and collective responsibility, especially against opponents who regularly compete at the highest level of club football.
“The key for us is the shape, the tactical discipline, the structure and the organisation. “In games like this, there is no room for mistakes.”
He added that maintaining discipline over the full 90 minutes will be one of his team’s biggest challenges.
Despite Nigeria’s firepower, Gamondi rejected suggestions that Tanzania will simply defend throughout the match, insisting his players intend to compete whenever opportunities arise.
“Our mentality is not only to defend. We want to recover the ball and try to attack as well.
“We are coming here to compete with our guts.”
Photo Credit: Imago
Gamondi accepted that Nigeria enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders, pointing to the pedigree and experience within the Super Eagles squad.
“When you analyse Nigeria, you see where their players play and the level they are used to. They are among the best teams on the continent.”
The coach described Group C as one of the tournament’s most demanding sections and said the competition offers Tanzania a chance to measure their development.
“This is a very difficult group, with two of the five or six best teams in Africa.
“But we are not afraid. We are here to learn, improve and prove the value of the Tanzanian player.”
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Asked whether Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could affect their mentality, Gamondi dismissed the suggestion, backing the Super Eagles to respond strongly.
“I don’t believe Nigeria are mentally affected. Great players forget mistakes quickly.
“I expect Nigeria to be very strong and motivated in this tournament.”
Photo Credit. Imago
While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Gamondi said belief remains central to Tanzania’s mindset going into the match.
“In football, anything is possible. Nobody can stop us from dreaming. “If we avoid mistakes and give an extra effort, we can do something good.”
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Nigeria and Tanzania meet on Tuesday evening in their opening AFCON 2025 Group C match, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30 local time.
