Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway on Tuesday as Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Fez Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides last met on March 8, 1980, in Lagos, where hosts Nigeria claimed a 3–1 victory to win their first AFCON title.
Nigeria and Tanzania have met seven times in all competitions, with the Super Eagles recording four wins and three draws. Tanzania are yet to register a victory in the fixture.
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Group C Outlook
Nigeria are widely tipped to progress from Group C, with head coach Eric Chelle’s side expected to take early control of the standings. The other group fixture pits Tunisia against Uganda.
NFF Target for Chelle
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has reportedly set a clear mandate for Chelle at the tournament: reaching the final in Morocco.
“The mandate is for him to get to the final of the tournament,” Gusau said.
Chelle: Focus on AFCON
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle urged his players to put the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup behind them.
“We are our first opponent. We need to focus on ourselves and shut out the outside noise,” the Franco-Malian coach said.
On the pressure surrounding his role, Chelle added, “Right now, I am focused on the game, my players, and my staff. After AFCON, we will sit with the NFF and talk about everything. This is not the moment for that discussion.”
Nigeria Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen.
Tanzania’s AFCON Journey
This is Tanzania’s fourth appearance at the AFCON finals. The Taifa Stars first qualified in 1980 and returned in 2019, subsequently booking places in each edition since.
They are still searching for their first-ever AFCON victory, having lost seven and drawn three of their 10 matches at the tournament.
Gamondi: ‘Nigeria Have 99 Percent’
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi, formerly of Botola Pro League fame, acknowledged his side’s underdog status but insisted they remain hopeful.
“I’m very realistic about the possibilities. Maybe Nigeria has 99 per cent, but you never know,” the Argentine said.
“I am confident we can do something. If we win, beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us, especially at the start of the tournament.”
Tanzania Predicted XI (4-1-4-1)
Suleiman; Mwaikenda, Mwamnyeto, Hamad, Msindo; Miroshi; M’Mombwa, Salum, Abraham, Allarakhia; John.
