Nigeria begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with familiar pressure as Tuesday’s opener against Tanzania promises to be an interesting affair.
Last edition’s runners-up arrive eager to correct recent disappointments on continental and global stages as so Eric Chelle’s side see Morocco as a proving ground for growth.
Match Preview
The Super Eagles’ World Cup failure against DR Congo left deep scars and disappointment for the fans and even players. As a result, AFCON now represents a chance for emotional and competitive repair.
A narrow friendly defeat to Egypt in Cairo last Tuesday ended a promising run of form, bar the shootout loss to Congo. Moreover, Nigeria’s squad depth still compares favourably across the continent.
Ranking disparities between Nigeria (38th) and Tanzania (112th) suggest a straightforward task, but the east Africans will be seeking to cause upset against their star-studded opponents. Notably, Nigeria stumbled in their last AFCON opener (1-1 draw vs Guinea-Bissau) before reaching the final.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania are set to renew hostilities and it is only the second time the two nations will clash at Africa’s biggest tournament.
Remarkably, their first meeting at the finals dates back more than four decades, when Nigeria launched their 1980 campaign with a convincing win on home soil before lifting the trophy. Beyond that historic encounter, the fixture has largely played out across qualifiers and friendlies. In total, the sides have faced each other seven times in all competitions, with Nigeria maintaining an unbeaten record made up of four victories and three draws.
Their most recent meetings came during the qualifying race for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. A goalless draw in Dar es Salaam was followed a year later by a narrow Nigerian win in Uyo, although neither side ultimately progressed, with Egypt finishing top of the group.
There is also a subtle club connection ahead of this contest. Nigerian goalkeeper Amas Obasogie currently plies his trade in Tanzania with Singida Black Stars, sharing a dressing room with Taifa Stars players Hussein Masalinga and Khalid Iddi.
Form guide
Nigeria’s form (last 6 matches):
D-W-W-W-L-L
Tanzania’s form (last 6 matches):
L-D-L-L-L-L
Team news
Nigeria arrive without Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina due to injury setbacks. Also, William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement marks a leadership transition. The Al-Kholood defender was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the AFCON 2023 edition.
Wilfred Ndidi is expected to captain the Nigerian side and anchor midfield authority. Meanwhile, Stanley Nwabali remains undisputed between the posts.
Defensively, Calvin Bassey should partner Oluwasemilogo Ajayi centrally. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi provide balance from full-back positions.
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In attack, Victor Osimhen leads the line with Akor Adams supporting. Behind them, Lookman, Iwobi, and Chukwueze are expected to offer creativity and width.
Group C dynamics heighten the importance of Nigeria’s first outing. Indeed, early momentum often shapes knockout pathways and that’s why Eric Chelle has emphasised targeting victory in their first outing. Tunisia and Uganda also collide on matchday one.
Tanzania arrive without any new injury worries, giving head coach Miguel Gamondi a full complement to choose from.
Experience is led by Simon Msuva, who returns after missing the final international windows of the year. The forward remains the squad’s most-capped player and could reach a century of appearances if he features in the opener.
Msuva also edges closer to history in front of goal, sitting one strike shy of a long-standing national record. Meanwhile, France-based attacker Mbwana Samatta continues his own pursuit as he trails that benchmark by three goals.
Possible line-ups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Sanusi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Tanzania: Suleiman; Kaponbe, Mwamnyeto, D. Job, Husseini; Miroshi, Salum; Msuva, M’Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta.
Prediction
Nigeria should control territory and tempo. Therefore, a composed but convincing Super Eagles victory appears likely. Tanzania’s defensive approach may frustrate early. However, constant pressure should eventually tell.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–0 Tanzania.
Player to watch
Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s ultimate difference-maker. His movement, aggression, and finishing elevate the entire attacking structure.
With 31 international goals, he edges closer to national records as he’s only behind all-time national team top scorer late Rashidi Yekini has 37 goals. Interestingly, this tournament could project how much of a legacy the Galatasaray striker will have with the Super Eagles.
Tags: Super Eagles, Nigeria, Tanzania, AFCON, preview, Group C, #AFCON2025, #LetsDoItAgain, #SoarSuperEagles, Africa Cup of Nations, Eric Chelle, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen.
