Nigeria will begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with an opening match against Tanzania on Tuesday at the Fez Stadium, as the Super Eagles set out on a renewed quest for continental glory.
Runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, Nigeria are eager to go one step further this time.
Head coach Eric Chelle’s side enters the competition with clear ambition and renewed focus. The Super Eagles boast a formidable squad led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi and are widely tipped to assert early dominance in the group.
Read Also: We will try to win the 2025 AFCON – Osimhen assures Nigerians
This fixture marks the first meeting between Nigeria and Tanzania since 1980. While Nigeria are chasing a fourth AFCON title, Tanzania are still in search of their first-ever victory at the tournament.
Tanzania qualified for AFCON 2025 after a strong finish in Group H, but head coach Hemed Suleiman was relieved of his duties shortly after, with Argentine tactician Miguel Gamondi appointed in November.
Despite the odds, Gamondi remains optimistic ahead of the opener.
“We are very well prepared and excited to be part of this AFCON,” he said. “We are more than ready for tomorrow’s game. It will be a very difficult match, but it is a nice challenge for us.”
Nigeria captain Victor Osimhen has also struck a confident note, insisting the Super Eagles are fully committed to lifting the trophy.
“We want to use this opportunity to send a clear message that we still have it in us,” Osimhen said. “We’re going to give our all to actualise this dream of winning the AFCON. It won’t be easy, but I’m very positive about this squad.”
