Match Details
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Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
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Competition: CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025)
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Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
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Date: Tuesday, December 23
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Kick-off: 6:30pm local time (17:30 GMT)
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Coverage: Live build-up from 14:30 GMT on Al Jazeera Sport, followed by text commentary
Match Preview
Still bruised by the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania with redemption firmly in mind.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, arrive in Morocco under pressure after failing to qualify for consecutive World Cups. With a squad brimming with elite talent, Nigeria are widely tipped to challenge for continental glory as they open Group C, which also includes Tunisia and Uganda.
Tanzania, meanwhile, are making only their fourth AFCON appearance and have never progressed beyond the group stage. Tuesday’s clash marks just the second AFCON meeting between the two nations, 45 years after their first encounter.
Why Nigeria Missed the 2026 World Cup
Nigeria reached the African playoffs as one of the best runners-up but were eliminated after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A poor start to qualifying, managerial instability and internal disputes all contributed to the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the inter-confederation playoffs.
Fallout From the DRC Defeat
Following the loss, the Nigerian Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA, alleging that DRC fielded ineligible dual-nationality players. The Congolese federation has denied the claims, and the case remains unresolved.
Tanzania Coaching Shake-Up
Tanzania have also endured turbulence ahead of AFCON. Head coach Hemed Suleiman was dismissed just one month before the tournament and replaced by Miguel Gamondi, who will serve as interim coach.
Despite leading Tanzania to AFCON qualification and a strong run in the African Nations Championship, Suleiman was removed after the Taifa Stars failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Nigeria
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Victor Osimhen – Napoli striker and former CAF Player of the Year
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Ademola Lookman – Atalanta forward in fine form
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Wilfred Ndidi – New team captain
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Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze
Tanzania
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Mbwana Samatta – Le Havre forward and team leader
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Simon Msuva – Most capped player, set for his 100th international appearance
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Mohamed Hussein – Defensive mainstay
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Haji Mnoga – Young prospect from Salford City
Form Guide
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Nigeria: L–L–W–W–W
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Tanzania: L–L–L–L–D
Head-to-Head
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Meetings: 7
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Nigeria wins: 4
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Draws: 3
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Tanzania wins: 0
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Last meeting: Nigeria won 1–0 at AFCON 2016
AFCON Records
Nigeria have featured at AFCON 20 times, winning the title three times (last in 2013) and finishing in the top three in 13 of their last 15 appearances.
Tanzania have never won an AFCON match, recording six defeats and three draws in nine games. AFCON 2025 marks their first-ever back-to-back qualification.
Team News
Nigeria
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Injured: Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick
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Absent: William Troost-Ekong (retired)
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Surprise omissions: Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare
Tanzania
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Midfielder Mudathir Yahya dropped
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No injury concerns reported
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria (4-4-2):
Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Tanzania (4-3-3):
Suleiman; Kapombe, Hamad, Hussein, Msindo; Miroshi, Salum, Job; Msuva, Mzize, Samatta
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