Super Eagles Favoured Against Taifa Stars In AFCON 2025 Group C Opener
Nigeria will begin their quest for continental glory when they take on Tanzania in the opening match of Group C at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday, with the Super Eagles widely tipped to secure all three points and set the tone for their campaign.
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The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth AFCON appearance, having previously exited at the group stage in 1980, 2019, and 2023. Tanzania are still searching for their first-ever victory at Africa’s flagship football tournament, having recorded three draws and six defeats in nine matches.
On paper, the clash resembles a classic David versus Goliath contest. Nigeria are appearing at the AFCON for the 21st time, boasting an illustrious record of three titles, five silver medals, eight bronze finishes, and 104 matches played. While Egypt lead the honours table with seven titles, followed by Cameroon (five) and Ghana (four), Nigeria remain one of the most consistent and decorated sides in the tournament’s 68-year history.
Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is expected to rely on a strong core as Nigeria look to make an early statement. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is likely to marshal the defence, flanked by centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi operating as wing-backs.
In midfield, new captain Wilfred Ndidi should anchor the side alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while the attacking trio of Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen will be tasked with providing the cutting edge.
Chelle also has a wealth of options off the bench, including Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu.
For Tanzania, Gamondi is expected to build his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta of Le Havre in France and experienced winger Simon Msuva, who currently plays in Iraq. Both players bring valuable international experience and leadership to the Taifa Stars.
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Additional threats include wing-back Mohammed Hussein of Young Africans and creative midfielder Feisal Salum of Azam FC, both key figures in the Tanzania Premier League.
History also favours Nigeria. Over 45 years ago, at the opening match of the 12th AFCON in Lagos, a Super Eagles side captained by Christian Chukwu defeated Tanzania 3–1 at the National Stadium, Surulere—a victory that paved the way for Nigeria’s first AFCON title.
With cold conditions expected in Fès, the Super Eagles will aim to overcome both the climate and their opponents, targeting a result that will ignite enthusiasm among Nigerian football fans at home and across the diaspora as the AFCON 2025 finals get underway.
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