Nigeria begin their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Tuesday evening when they face Tanzania in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.
Runners-up at the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles arrive under scrutiny after another failed attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, while Tanzania return to the continental stage looking to register their first-ever AFCON victory.
Match preview
Nigeria enter AFCON 2025 with a point to prove. Despite boasting one of the most talent-laden squads in African football, the Super Eagles endured a turbulent year marked by inconsistency and disappointment, culminating in World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo.
That setback, followed by a narrow friendly loss to Egypt, has tempered expectations, but Nigeria’s pedigree at this level remains unquestionable. Ranked among Africa’s top sides, they are widely expected to navigate the group phase successfully, starting with a positive result against Tanzania.
However, recent history offers caution. Nigeria opened their last AFCON campaign with a draw against Equatorial Guinea before recovering to reach the final.
Akor Adams celebrating his second goal for the Super Eagles in his 3rd appearance against Gabon in the African playoff Semi final. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Tanzania, by contrast, arrive with little external pressure. Competing at their fifth AFCON finals, the Taifa Stars are still seeking a maiden win at the tournament and have undergone recent managerial change, with Miguel Gamondi appointed in November.
Results have been difficult to come by, with Tanzania winless in seven matches and struggling for goals, but with the country set to co-host AFCON 2027, performances rather than outcomes may define success in Morocco.
Head-to-head
Nigeria have enjoyed the upper hand historically, winning three of the last five meetings between the sides and keeping clean sheets in three of those matches.
Tanzania have failed to score in the last three encounters, including a 1–0 defeat in their most recent competitive meeting. This will be only the second time the teams meet at AFCON finals, following Nigeria’s 3–1 victory in 1980.
Team news
Nigeria will be without Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick due to injury, while long-serving defender William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football, leaving Wilfred Ndidi as the new captain.
Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to retain a 4-4-2 diamond system, with Ndidi anchoring midfield. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are likely to start centrally in defence, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi operating as full-backs.
Victor Osimhen celebrating with his Super Eagles teammates. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Stanley Nwabali is set to continue as first-choice goalkeeper following the omission of Maduka Okoye.
In attack, Victor Osimhen leads the line and is closing in on Nigeria’s all-time scoring record. He is expected to be partnered by debutant Akor Adams, with Ademola Lookman operating just behind them. Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi provide width and creativity, while Frank Onyeka adds energy in midfield.
Tanzania report no fresh injury concerns. Gamondi has selected a largely home-based squad, with experience supplied by Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta.
Mbwana Samantha. Photo Credit: Imago
Msuva could earn his 100th international cap and is one goal away from equalling the national scoring record, while Samatta, three goals short of the mark, is expected to lead the attack.
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.
Key talking points
Nigeria’s ability to control games early has been questioned after conceding in five of their last six matches.
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Tanzania’s lack of goals contrasts with Nigeria’s attacking depth, but defensive concentration remains crucial for the Super Eagles.
Photo Credit. Imago
A strong opening performance could ease pressure on Nigeria ahead of tougher group fixtures.
Prediction
Nigeria’s defensive vulnerabilities may offer Tanzania moments of encouragement, but the gulf in quality, particularly in midfield and attack, should tell over 90 minutes.
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If the Super Eagles maintain discipline and tempo, they are expected to secure a professional opening win.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania.
