🇳🇬 Match Preview: Nigeria vs Tanzania AFCON 2025 Group C Opener

Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Kick-off: 06:30 PM (WAT) / 17:30 (GMT) Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Group Stage) The Stakes: Redemption vs. History The Super Eagles of Nigeria begin their quest for a fourth continental title tomorrow evening in Fes, Morocco. The narrative surrounding this team is heavy: after the heartbreak of losing the 2023 AFCON final to Ivory Coast and the shock failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, redemption is the only acceptable outcome for Nigeria. They face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, a team looking to break a grim historical record. Tanzania is making their fourth AFCON appearance but has never won a match in the tournament’s history (D3, L7). On paper, this is a David vs. Goliath clash, but as Nigeria’s recent friendly loss to Egypt showed, the Eagles cannot afford complacency. Head-to-Head & Form Guide - Overall Record: Nigeria has dominated this fixture historically. In 8 meetings, the Super Eagles have won 5 and drawn 3. Tanzania has never beaten Nigeria. - Last Meeting: A 1-0 win for Nigeria in 2016 (AFCON Qualifier). - Nigeria Form: L-W-D-W-L (Most recent: 1-2 loss vs Egypt in friendly). - Tanzania Form: L-L-L-L-D (Winless in their last 7 matches). Team News & Tactics 🇳🇬 Nigeria (The Super Eagles) Head Coach Eric Chelle has some defensive headaches. With William Troost-Ekong retired and Ola Aina out with a hamstring injury, the backline will likely feature Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi in central defense. However, the attack remains fearsome. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are expected to lead the line, supported by the creativity of Alex Iwobi. Predicted XI (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyedika; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman. 🇹🇿 Tanzania (The Taifa Stars) Tanzania enters this tournament in chaos, having fired coach Hemed Suleiman just a month ago. Interim boss Miguel Gamondi will rely heavily on experienced veterans. Keep an eye on captain Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva to provide the threat on the counter-attack. Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Manula; Mwaikenda, Nondo, Hamad, Hussein; Mkami, Mao; Msuva, Salum, Abraham; Samatta. Key Battle: The Midfield Control Wilfred Ndidi vs. Feisal Salum For Tanzania to have any chance, they must disrupt Nigeria's rhythm. Feisal Salum "Fei Toto" is the creative engine for the Taifa Stars. If Ndidi can neutralize him and allow Iwobi to dictate the tempo, Nigeria should dominate possession and create chances at will. Prediction While the Super Eagles have shown vulnerability in defense recently, the gulf in quality between these two sides is massive. Tanzania is in poor form and lacks the firepower to trouble Nigeria significantly if the Eagles stay disciplined. Expect a professional performance from Nigeria to calm the nerves. Score Prediction: Nigeria 2 - 0 Tanzania Betting Tip: Nigeria to win & Under 3.5 Goals. Expect under or over