Nigeria’s Super Eagles will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Tanzania as they continue their quest for a fourth continental title. Interestingly, both sides have not faced each other since 1980, adding a historical edge to the Group C opener.
The Super Eagles, under the guidance of Eric Chelle, enter the tournament with a strong desire for redemption. Nigeria finished as runners-up at the previous AFCON after surrendering a first-half lead in the final, allowing host nation Ivory Coast to mount a comeback and claim a 2–0 victory.
Nigeria’s recent struggles in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers further underline their determination to make a statement at AFCON 2025. A series of draws and defeats forced the Super Eagles to rely on revised CAF ranking rules to progress. Although they edged past Gabon after extra time, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes eventually ended following a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.
Despite Nigeria’s pedigree and superior squad on paper, the Super Eagles are expected to approach the encounter with caution. Their concerns were heightened after a narrow defeat to Egypt in a pre-tournament friendly, a result that exposed areas needing improvement.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are making their fifth AFCON appearance but are yet to progress beyond the group stage in their previous four outings. However, the East Africans will be eager to show growth, especially as they prepare to co-host the next AFCON alongside Uganda and Kenya.
The Taifa Stars come into the tournament on a poor run of form, having failed to win any of their last seven matches — recording two draws and five defeats. Their recent results include a 4–3 loss to Kuwait in a friendly and a defeat to Zambia in World Cup qualifying.
Nigeria boast a star-studded squad led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, making them clear favourites for the encounter. Tanzania, however, will look to threaten through the creativity of Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum as they aim to spring a surprise.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group C)
Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (Nigerian time)
Venue: Fez Stadium, Fes
Where to
Watch: CAF TV
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