Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, with the Super Eagles favoured to start their campaign in good standing right from the opening day.
The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019, and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters.
Nigeria Vs Tanzania Predicted 11
Coach Eric Chelle is expected to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu.
Tanzanian Options
Gamondi will most likely build his team around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq).
There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League) and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC).
AFCON Head To Head
More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga clashed in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1 to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time.
What The Stats Say
Nigeria head into this AFCON 2025 opener in strong form, having avoided defeat in their last six AFCON group-stage matches, with five wins and one draw.
Interestingly, seven of Nigeria’s last eight games were level at half-time, showing how tight their matches usually start.
On the other hand, Tanzania has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in its last six outings. Goals have also been hard to come by for them, as they’ve failed to score in six of their last eight AFCON matches.
Quotes
“We will try to neutralize the individual quality of (Victor) Osimhen, but it’s not only him. There are players like (Samuel) Chukwueze, (Ademola) Lookman…” Tanzania’s head Coach, Miguel Gamondi, speaking ahead of their game against Nigeria.
”We are our first opponent, we need to focus on ourselves and take out the outside noise. Of course, the World Cup miss is painful or what do you think about how I’m feeling?” – Eric Chelle
