Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be itching to put the pain of failing  to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup behind them when they take on Tanzania in their opening group C clash of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This match is part of the AFCON 2025 schedule.

The clash, which will be held at the Fez Stadium in Fez, will kick off at 5.30 PM GMT(8:30 PM EAT), will see the three-time champions take on a side that has only ever qualified for three previous editions of AFCON.

Nigeria boast world class talent in the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, which makes them among the favorites to win the group at AFCON 2025.

It will be the second time both teams are playing each other at this stage, 45 years since first locking horns at the competition.

Nigeria are eyeing redemption after failing to make the FIFA World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoffs set to be held in March next year. AFCON 2025 offers a new platform for Nigeria to shine.

Having finished among the four best runners up in the nine African qualifying groups, all they had to do was beat DR Congo in the CAF qualifying final. However, they were knocked out 4-3 on penalties. They will now have to wait till 2030 to stand a chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

They have however, submitted a petition to FIFA, claiming DRC fielded ineligible players during the game.

The Nigerian Football Federation claimed several dual nationality players had been cleared to play for DRC without meeting the required criteria. The DR Congo Federation has firmly refuted these claims.

Tanzania also have problems of their own, as they sacked Hemed Suleiman in November replacing him with Miguel Gamondi. They will aim to make a mark at AFCON 2025.

Suleiman led Tanzania to their fourth Cup of Nations appearance and reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championships this year.

However, failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup rendered his position untenable.

Nigeria possesses one of the most talented squads in the continent across all departments. At the back, they have players like Semi Ajayi  and Calvin Bassey.

In midfield, the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfried Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. In attack, some of the world’s best forwards, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman  and Samuel Chukuweze are a threat to any backline.

Nigeria’s squad is packed with talent in all departments, with forwards and former CAF Player of the Year award winners Osimhen and Lookman headlining the group..

Tanzania will be relying on the experience of veteran duo Simon Msuva and former Aston Villa man Mbwana Samatta. 

Msuva will be making his 100th cap for Tanzania if he steps on the pitch against Nigeria. 

In defence, Salford City defender Haji Mnoga and Mohammed Hussein will be formidable presences for Tanzania. They will have to be key if Nigeria’s potent attack is to be neutralised.

All matches, most recent result last:

Nigeria: L-L-W-W-W

Tanzania: L-L-L-L-D

Nigeria and Tanzania have met seven times before, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious on four occasions. The other three games have resulted in draws.

Nigeria have featured at AFCON 20 times before, winning on three occasions. In their last appearance, they reached the final, losing to Ivory Coast 1-0 during the 2023 edition.

Tanzania by contrast have never made it past the group stages. However, they are starting to become a consistent mainstay at the tournament, having qualified for three of the last four editions.

Injuries to Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina mean Nigeria will have to do without their services. 

They will also be missing William Troost-Ekong, who made the shock decision to retire before the tournament.

Strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare were the surprise omissions from the squad for AFCON 2025.

Mudathir Yahya was the only notable dropping from the Tanzania squad, which otherwise has no real absentees. 

Nigeria XI: Nwabili (Goalkeeper); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Tanzania Xl: Suleiman (Goalkeeper); Kapombe, Hamad, Husseini, Msindo; Miroshi, Salum, Job; Msuva, Mzize, Samatta