Nigeria Face Tough Challenge Against Tanzania in AFCON Opener

Posted : 22 December 2025

Nigeria will kick off its quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Tuesday, facing Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. The match is set for a 7:30 pm CAT start, marking the Super Eagles’ first test in Group C.

The Nigerian side enters the tournament following a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. After going unbeaten in their six group-stage matches under head coach Éric Chelle, Nigeria reached the African play-off semifinals with a 4-1 win over Gabon but were eliminated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Despite the setback, Chelle’s squad, brimming with internationally-based talent, is eager to reassert Nigeria’s continental supremacy and add another AFCON trophy to the nation’s collection.

Tanzania, making its fourth AFCON appearance, will aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time. The Taifa Stars impressed domestically at the African Nations Championship in August, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Morocco. Their World Cup qualifying campaign in 2025 was less successful, finishing third in Group E with just one win, three losses, and one draw from eight matches.

Historically, the sides have met once in AFCON play. In 1980, Nigeria opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Lagos, marking their first encounter in the tournament.

Coach Éric Chelle is aware of the challenges ahead in Group C. “Given our history, our quality of play, and the calibre of past and present players, we must deliver a great AFCON,” he said. “It’s a tough group; Tunisia have had an excellent year, Uganda are improving fast under Paul Put, and Tanzania’s domestic league is competitive. We’ll have to be very serious and trust our mindset.”

Key players to watch include Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen, who leads the front line with lethal finishing. Osimhen finished the 2024/25 season as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig and has already contributed six goals in 12 league games this season. He has also been prolific for Nigeria, with six goal contributions in the last four matches. For Tanzania, captain Mbwana Samatta will be the focal point, having regained form at Ligue 1 side Le Havre. With 19 goals in 75 caps, Samatta will challenge the Nigerian defense throughout the match.

The historical head-to-head record favors Nigeria, with four wins and three draws against Tanzania, who are yet to register a victory over the Super Eagles.

Nigeria Face Tough Challenge Against Tanzania in AFCON Opener

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics