Super Eagles Target Winning Start Against Tanzania in AFCON 2025 Opener

Nigeria will look to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a positive note when they face Tanzania in their opening Group C fixture at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles go into the encounter as clear favourites, with victory expected to provide early momentum in their quest for a fourth continental title. A positive result on opening day would place Nigeria in a strong position as the group-stage battles unfold.

Tanzania, popularly known as the Taifa Stars, are making just their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Under head coach Miguel Gamondi, they are still searching for their first-ever AFCON victory, having recorded three draws and six defeats across previous tournaments in 1980, 2019 and 2023.

By contrast, Nigeria’s pedigree at Africa’s premier football competition highlights a significant disparity in experience. The Super Eagles are competing at the AFCON for the 21st time, boasting a rich history that includes three titles, five silver medals, eight bronze finishes, and 104 matches played. Although Egypt remain the most successful nation with seven titles, Nigeria rank among the continent’s most consistent performers over the tournament’s 68-year history.

Head coach Eric Chelle, who recently told CAFOnline.com that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, is expected to rely on a strong core of experienced players. Likely starters include goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi —the team’s new captain—Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, alongside an attacking trio of Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria also boast considerable squad depth, with Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Chidozie Awaziem, Bruno Onyemaechi and Ryan Alebiosu available as options.

Tanzania’s hopes are expected to rest heavily on the experience of captain Mbwana Samatta of Le Havre, winger Simon Msuva, currently based in Iraq, as well as wing-back Mohammed Hussein of Young Africans and creative midfielder Feisal Salum of Azam FC.

The fixture also revives memories of a historic encounter more than four decades ago, when Nigeria and Tanzania met in the opening match of the 1980 AFCON in Lagos. Led by Christian Chukwu, who went on to be named Player of the Tournament, Nigeria claimed a 3–1 victory and ultimately lifted their maiden AFCON title.

While cold conditions are expected in Fès on Tuesday evening, the Super Eagles remain focused on overcoming both the weather and their opponents as they seek a result that will ignite enthusiasm among Nigerian fans at home and across the diaspora during the 35th AFCON finals.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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