Super Eagles Eye Opening Win Over Tanzania in AFCON 2025
Nigeria and Tanzania will face off on Tuesday in the opening Group C match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles heavily favoured to secure all three points and kick-start their campaign on a strong note.
The Taifa Stars, led by Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance at the continental showpiece, having exited at the group stage in 1980, 2019, and 2023.
Despite their growing presence, Tanzania are still searching for their first-ever AFCON win, having drawn three and lost six of their nine previous matches.
The encounter evokes a classic David versus Goliath narrative. Nigeria, one of Africa’s most decorated footballing nations, have featured in 20 AFCON editions, winning three titles, finishing runners-up five times, and claiming bronze on eight occasions.
With 104 matches played in the tournament’s 68-year history, the Super Eagles boast unmatched experience and pedigree.
Tuesday’s clash at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès will see Coach Eric Chelle rely on a strong lineup including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (the new captain), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen. Chelle also has depth in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu.
Tanzania’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of captain Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Le Havre in France, and Simon Msuva, currently based in Iraq. Both bring valuable international experience.
Supporting them are wing-back Mohammed Hussein of Young Africans and midfielder Feisal Salum of Azam FC, two key figures from the Tanzanian Premier League.
The fixture also carries historical weight. On March 8, 1980, Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3–1 in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
That victory, led by captain Christian Chukwu, set Nigeria on course to win their first-ever AFCON title. Tanzania’s captain that day, Leodegar Tenga, now chairs the country’s National Sports Council.
While the weather in Fès is expected to be cold, the Super Eagles are focused on delivering a result that will energize fans both at home and across the diaspora, as they chase a fourth continental crown.
