TANZANIA head coach Hemed Suleiman has acknowledged that facing the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a tough task but he is ready for the challenge.
The Taifa Stars are in the same group as three-time African champions Nigeria, 2004 winners Tunisia and in-form East African rivals Uganda for the tournament scheduled for Morocco in December 2025 and January 2026.
Tanzania will open against the Super Eagles on December 23 and close out the group phase with Tunisia on December 30.
Suleiman has a lot of respect for the two giants, but he is confident his side can hold their own.
“Nigeria is full of attacking talent and lethal creativity. They punish lapses in concentration,” Suleiman told CAF in a pre-tournament interview.
“Tunisia is tactically disciplined and difficult to break down, a team that tests your patience.
“Uganda brings possession-based hunger and fight; their regional rivalry makes that fixture special.
“We will tailor our approach per game, but without losing our own identity.”
Tanzania have only ever qualified for two previous AFCON editions, in 2019 and 2023, and failed to advance from the group stage both times.
Suleiman believes the experience will help his side in Morocco, with the Taifa Stars much better prepared this time.
He said: “We have taken lessons from 2019 and 2023 and applied them in training, match planning and selection.
“Our teams are more competitive and intense. Clubs like Simba, Young Africans and Azam playing regularly at continental level help raise standards.
“We’ve invested more in sports science, nutrition and recovery, as well as psychological resilience.
“The aim is that when we arrive in Morocco, we are sharp, focused and well balanced — ready for even a stiff test.
“We want to aim for at least four points — that often makes one competitive for the knockout phase. Defensive solidity is central: clean sheets will be a benchmark of success.
“Offensively, we want to convert more of our chances. We have worked hard on transitions and set pieces because those margins often decide tight games. Consistency and discipline will be key.”
Incidentally, Tanzania were led to their first AFCON in 2019 by former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke.