Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group C opener at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, marking a rare continental clash between the two sides.
Three-time champions Nigeria enter the tournament seeking redemption after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Tanzania aim for their first-ever AFCON win in what will be their fifth appearance.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi, who took over just weeks before the tournament, has outlined specific tactics to blunt Nigeria’s potent attack, particularly targeting Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
“We have tactical plans to try and neutralise Osimhen, but the collective importance is not only him,” Gamondi stated at his pre-match press conference, as reported by Punch Newspapers. “You also have players like Chukwueze and Lookman. They move very well with the ball, so we must be aware of our positioning on the pitch. I’m not the type of coach who focuses on just one individual.”
The Argentine tactician emphasised the need for discipline against a Nigeria side brimming with European-based talent. “When you see the quality Nigeria possess, you need to give more than 100 per cent. The smallest mistake can be punished by these types of players,” he added.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 edition, boast a star-studded frontline including reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Osimhen, who has been in fine form for his club. The Super Eagles topped their qualifying group undefeated, with Lookman and Osimhen sharing top scorer honours.
This fixture revives a 45-year-old AFCON rivalry. Their only previous meeting at the tournament came in 1980, when hosts Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in Lagos en route to claiming their first title, according to CAF records. More recent encounters in 2017 AFCON qualifiers saw a goalless draw followed by a 1-0 Nigeria victory.
Tanzania, ranked 112th by FIFA compared to Nigeria’s 38th, have shown progress by qualifying for three of the last four editions but remain winless in nine AFCON matches (three draws, six losses). Captain Mbwana Samatta, playing for Le Havre in France’s Ligue 1, and veteran forward Simon Msuva will lead their challenge.
Gamondi, however, remains optimistic. “Our mentality is to play, recover the ball and try to attack. If we can avoid mistakes, we can do something good,” he said.
For Nigeria, under coach Éric Chelle, a strong start is crucial in a competitive Group C that also includes Tunisia and Uganda. The Super Eagles have historically dominated head-to-heads, remaining unbeaten against Tanzania.
As both teams seek a positive launch to their campaigns, the match promises tactical intrigue, with Tanzania’s defensive resolve tested against Nigeria’s attacking flair. A victory for the Taifa Stars would mark a historic breakthrough, while Nigeria aim to build momentum towards a fourth continental crown.