Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on Tuesday evening with a thrilling clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, Soccernet.ng reports.
After missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco under pressure to deliver strong performances and, possibly, silverware.
Their opening Group C fixture against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium offers an early opportunity to set the tone. Nigeria reached the final of the last AFCON in 2023, falling narrowly to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, and remain one of the tournament’s heavyweight contenders.
Tanzania, meanwhile, arrive as underdogs but with quiet belief that they can finally make history on the continental stage.
This is the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations and the second hosted by Morocco, following the 1988 tournament, a competition Nigeria still remember painfully after losing a controversial final to Cameroon. Nearly four decades on, the ambition is to go one better this time.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30pm local time on Tuesday, December 23, in Fez.
Match preview
On paper, Nigeria are overwhelming favourites. The Super Eagles are ranked 38th in the FIFA rankings, have won AFCON three times (1980, 1994, 2013), and boast arguably the strongest attacking pairing in African football.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both African Footballer of the Year winners, headline a squad packed with European experience, athleticism, and tournament know-how.
Tanzania, ranked 112th in the world, have never won a match at AFCON. Yet history suggests they should not be dismissed lightly. At the 2023 edition, the Taifa Stars drew two of their three group games, the first time they had ever collected more than one point at the tournament.
Much of their squad plays domestically for Simba SC and Young Africans, giving them strong chemistry and tactical discipline. Add the experience of captain Mbwana Samatta and the dynamism of Novatus Miroshi, and Nigeria will be facing a side with little fear and nothing to lose.
Team news
Nigeria have named a 28-man squad, with ten players set to make their AFCON debut. Among them are Cyriel Dessers, midfield prospect Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and defender Igoh Ogbu.
The mix of seasoned internationals and new blood signals the beginning of a new cycle, one that must still deliver immediate results.
There are no major injury concerns heading into the opener, and the coaching staff are expected to name a strong starting XI to avoid any early complications in a competitive group that also includes Tunisia and Uganda.
Predicted line-up: Nigeria (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper:
Nwabali - Defence:
Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi - Midfield:
Ndidi, Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze - Attack:
Lookman, Osimhen
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania
The match will be broadcast live across multiple platforms:
TV Channels
Africa/International: beIN Sports, SuperSport Grandstand/PSL/MáXimo 360, Canal+ Afrique
Nigeria: SuperSport channels 252 & 254 (DStv)
South Africa: SABC 3
Other: Arryadia (host broadcaster), Sportdigital FUSSBALL, Sport TV6
Streaming Options
TOD (MENA)
beIN Connect (France, MENA, USA)
FuboTV
Match Prediction
Nigeria are expected to dominate possession and territory, but AFCON openers are rarely straightforward. Tanzania’s compact shape and discipline could frustrate early on, especially if the Super Eagles fail to take early chances.
However, Nigeria’s depth, physicality, and attacking quality should eventually tell.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–0 Tanzania