Nigeria vs Tanzania AFCON 2025 Team News & Predicted Lineups

Nigeria vs Tanzania AFCON 2025 preview: Check team news, predicted lineups, key players, and match details as the Super Eagles aim to start their campaign with a win.

Nigeria kicks off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, seeking redemption after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles, packed with talent, will look to assert their dominance in Group C.

Match Details

• Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
• Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025
• Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025
• Time: 6:30 PM local time (17:30 GMT)
• Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
• Live Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport, starting 14:30 GMT for pre-match build-up

Nigeria’s Quest for Redemption

Nigeria’s much-anticipated “golden generation” has faced setbacks recently, missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite strong performances in qualifying, the Super Eagles fell short in the playoff against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, losing 4-3 on penalties. Managerial changes, administrative issues, and a poor start to qualifying contributed to the disappointment.

Now, the Super Eagles are focused on AFCON 2025, aiming to reclaim continental glory. With stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the charge, Nigeria is a firm favorite in Group C, which also includes Tunisia and Uganda.

Tanzania’s New Leadership

Tanzania arrives in Morocco under new management. Former coach Hemed Suleiman was dismissed just a month before the tournament, and Miguel Gamondi takes over as interim coach. Despite the upheaval, Tanzania brings experience with players like Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva, who will celebrate his 100th international cap if he plays.

The Taifa Stars have struggled historically at AFCON, never advancing beyond the group stage in their three previous appearances. This year, they aim to make history by competing in consecutive tournaments.

Nigeria

• Victor Osimhen: The focal point of Nigeria’s attack, Osimhen will carry the hopes of a deep run.
• Ademola Lookman: Dynamic and unpredictable, he can change the game with a single run or shot.
• Wilfred Ndidi & Alex Iwobi: Midfield engine room, providing stability and creativity.
• Calvin Bassey & Samuel Chukwueze: Key contributors in defense and attack.

Tanzania

• Mbwana Samatta: Experienced striker, vital for leading Tanzania’s frontline.
• Simon Msuva: Veteran forward with vast international experience.
• Mohamed Hussein & Haji Mnoga: Strong defensive options, with Mnoga bringing youthful energy.

Form Guide

• Nigeria: L-L-W-W-W – Strong finish to recent matches suggests confidence heading into the tournament.
• Tanzania: L-L-L-L-D – A challenging run, but new management could spark improvement.

Nigeria and Tanzania have faced each other seven times across all competitions, including AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria has won four, while three matches ended in draws. Their last AFCON meeting was in 2016, where Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory.

Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (4-2-3-1):
Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Tanzania (4-3-3):
Suleiman; Kapombe, Hamad, Husseini, Msindo; Miroshi, Salum, Job; Msuva, Mzize, Samatta

Injury Updates:

• Nigeria: Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina out. Captain William Troost-Ekong retired, Ndidi now leads.
• Tanzania: No major absentees; Mudathir Yahya omitted by new coach.