The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hoping for a positive start to their AFCON 2025 title quest when they play a stubborn Tanzania on Tuesday night.
Nigeria will be desperate to make this edition count, especially after losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final of the last AFCON tournament.
Tanzania have failed to make it past the group stage in all four of their previous appearances at the continental showpiece. The Taifa Stars will co-host the 2027 edition alongside East African neighbors Kenya and Uganda, making this the perfect opportunity to make a statement for the nation.
Nigeria have the better side on paper with plenty of stars who feature in top European leagues and are tipped to make a positive start to their campaign. The Super Eagles are hoping to win a first AFCON title since 2013, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Here are all the key details of the match as well as the best prediction ahead of the clash.
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Team news
Former CAF players of the year, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are fit and will start in the Nigerian attack. Wilfred Ndidi will captain the side in midfield, with in-form Samuel Chukuweze also expected to start. Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are the preferred pair in the heart of the Nigerian defense as Ola Aina remains sidelined with injury.
As for Tanzania, they welcome back veteran Simon Msuva from injury and he will start alongside Mbwana Samatta up front. There are no injury concerns for the Taifa Stars.
Head-to-head and current form
Nigeria are coming off back to back defeats to Egypt and DR Congo on penalties, while Tanzania are without a win in their last seven games. Tanzania have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture before.
Current form:
Nigeria – LLWWW
Tanzania – LLLLD
Previous matches
Nigeria 1-0 Tanzania (2016)
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania (2015)
Tanzania 0-2 Nigeria (1980)
Nigeria 1-1 Tanzania (1980)
Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (1980)
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Prediction
With the amount of experience in the Super Eagles squad, no hiccups are expected on their way to an opening victory. However, they have only kept one clean sheet in their last five games and Tanzania could get a goal in this game.
Over 1.5 goals is a good option for this game, with a home win or draw providing a worthy alternative.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
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