Preview: Super Eagles Begin AFCON Quest Against Tanzania in Group C Opener

• Nigeria’s Super Eagles kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday against Tanzania in Morocco, targeting a fourth continental title after their 2023 runner-up finish.

The Super Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday when they face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco.

Nigeria heads into the tournament looking to build on their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON and put behind them recent disappointments in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The three-time champions are regarded as group favourites against a Tanzanian side that has never progressed beyond the group stage in their four previous AFCON appearances.

Head-to-Head Record (Overall):
Nigeria: P7 W4 D3 L0 GF11 GA3
Tanzania: P7 W0 D3 L4 GF3 GA11

Head-to-Head at AFCON:
Nigeria: P1 W1 D0 L0 GF3 GA1
Tanzania: P1 W0 D0 L1 GF1 GA3

The only previous AFCON meeting between both sides came at the 1980 tournament, when Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3–1, with goals from Lawal, Onyedika and Odegbami.

Despite their dominance over Tanzania, the Super Eagles enter the match with some concerns over defensive solidity, goal-scoring consistency and recent results.

Nigeria will be without injured full-back Ola Aina and retired captain William Troost-Ekong, placing added responsibility on central defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

Under interim coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria still boasts a formidable attacking unit led by Victor Osimhen, who has been in fine form, alongside Ademola Lookman.

Probable Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey
Wing-backs: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (captain), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen

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Chelle also has depth on the bench, with options including Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Chidozie Awaziem, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Ryan Alebiosu.

Match Details:
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco
Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Kick-off: 18:30 WAT (6:30 PM)

Where to Watch:
The match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 4 (UK) and streamed on SuperSport and beIN Sports.