Nigeria's quest for redemption begins in Fez on Tuesday evening as the three-time champions face Tanzania in their AFCON 2025 opener. For the Super Eagles, this tournament represents a chance to heal wounds inflicted by a traumatic 2025.
Nigeria: Wounds to Heal, Points to Prove
The past twelve months have been painful for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles, runners-up at AFCON 2023, have now missed two consecutive World Cups after their penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in November's play-off. That loss, coming after an agonising extra-time victory over Gabon, left the nation devastated.
Victor Osimhen has been characteristically defiant in the build-up. "It's all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything," the Galatasaray striker declared. "We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we're up there with so many favourites in this tournament."
The squad remains loaded with quality. Osimhen and Ademola Lookman – both former CAF Player of the Year winners – form a devastating attacking partnership. Alex Iwobi provides creativity, while new captain Wilfred Ndidi anchors the midfield following William Troost-Ekong's retirement from international football.
However, defensive concerns linger. Nigeria have conceded in five of their last six matches, and will be without injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick. Coach Eric Chelle must also contend with the surprise omissions of strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare from his squad.
Tanzania: The Taifa Stars' Historic Moment
For Tanzania, reaching consecutive AFCON finals for the first time represents genuine progress. The Taifa Stars have never progressed beyond the group stage in four previous appearances, and Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi – appointed in November – knows expectations must be managed.
"We are very well prepared, we are excited to be part of this AFCON and we are more than ready for tomorrow's game," Gamondi said. "We have a very difficult game but it's a nice challenge for us."
Experience resides in forward Mbwana Samatta, the Le Havre striker and former Aston Villa player who captains the side. Veteran winger Simon Msuva returns to the squad after injury and could earn his 100th cap. Youngster Haji Mnoga, who plays for Salford City in England's fourth tier, adds energy to the defence.
Tanzania's primary concern is attacking output. They've scored just twice in their last seven matches and failed to find the net against Nigeria in their last three meetings.
Head-to-Head
This is only the second AFCON meeting between these nations, 45 years after Nigeria's 3-1 victory in 1980 on home soil – a tournament they went on to win for the first time. In eight overall meetings, Nigeria have won five and drawn three. Tanzania have never beaten the Super Eagles.
Key Players
Nigeria: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)
Tanzania: Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre), Simon Msuva, Feisal Salum
Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Adams
Tanzania (4-2-3-1): Suleiman; Mnoga, Mwamnyeto, Job, Hussein; Miroshi, Salum; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
Match Details
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT, Tuesday 23 December 2025
- Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez Sports Complex
- Competition: AFCON 2025 Group C, Matchday 1
Prediction
Despite their recent struggles, Nigeria's individual quality should prevail against a Tanzania side who struggle to score. Osimhen and Lookman will be too much to handle. Nigeria 3-0 Tanzania