Super Eagles Eye Strong Start Against Rising Taifa Stars
This Tuesday, at the Stade de Fès, Nigeria will kick off their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign against Tanzania, in a clash that promises drama and intensity. The Super Eagles, three-time continental champions, start as favourites, but the Taifa Stars arrive with ambition and renewed confidence, determined to make their mark on Morocco 2025.
Nearly 45 years after their first AFCON encounter in Lagos, this Fès opener is more than just a game — it is a battle of experience versus ambition, where momentum and composure could set the tone for each team’s tournament.
For Nigeria, this match marks their 21st AFCON appearance, a team with a rich tradition of success. Three-time champions (1980, 1994, 2013), the Super Eagles have finished in the top three in 13 of their last 15 finals and maintain a near-perfect record in opening matches.
Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle, appointed in January after leading Mali to the quarter-finals in 2023, emphasised the importance of starting the tournament well.
Morale is high, according to newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi; “The team spirit is very high and the energy is really positive. This game means a lot to us because it sets the momentum for the tournament. Everyone, from the players to the staff, is focused and ready. We know how important this match is, and we are fully prepared to give our best,” he said. Ndidi added that Nigeria aims to surpass their final appearance in Côte d’Ivoire, signalling strong ambition for Morocco 2025. “There are a lot of lessons to learn from the AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire where we set a standard, getting into the final, but we could not win the trophy. We cannot go below that. The standard is already high and the team is ready for that.”
Despite targeting the high standards of the last tournament, Nigeria will have to do without William Troost-Ekong, who skippered the team and won the tournament's MVP award in Côte d'Ivoire.
Coach Chelle addressed the absence of William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, and Ola Aina, saying he trusts the present squad. “I am not worried. I trust my guys… it is not only about the defenders but all the players as a whole,” he stated, reinforcing that the focus is entirely on the tournament and the players present.
Tanzania, making their fourth AFCON finals appearance after previous qualifications in 1980, 2019 and 2023 are seeking to make a stronger impact.
Head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi has stressed a proactive approach. “Our mentality is to play, carry the ball, and try to attack as well. We are not only coming to defend and participate; we will try to compete, give our best and take lessons for the next tournament we are hosting. When we play games like this one against Nigeria, we don't have room for mistakes,” he added.
Experienced striker Ally Samatta, Tanzania’s captain, echoed his coach’s message. “I want to bring all my experience to help the team and support the players. We are now integrated as one group, whether those are playing abroad or back home, and our goal is to do something special for Tanzania. Against Nigeria, we know it is a big game, and in big matches you need big performances to make the difference. That is our target.”
What They Said
Éric Sékou Chelle – Head Coach, Nigeria:
“Right now, my only focus is the game — the players and the staff. Everything is about this match. Of course, the future of the team is linked to success in this period, and we have worked a lot towards that. But our mindset is clear: we are focused on our dream, on what happens on the pitch, and everyone is fully committed and ready.”
Miguel Ángel Gamondi –Head Coach, Tanzania:
“Our mentality is to play, carry the ball, and try to attack as well. We are not only coming to defend and participate; we will try to compete and give in our best. We are also here to learn and prepare for the next AFCON we are hosting. The minimum mistake in this kind of game can be punished. And if we can avoid such mistakes, while maintaining tactical discipline, we can do something good.”
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Nigeria and Tanzania have met seven times across all competitions, with the Super Eagles unbeaten, winning four and drawing three. Their last AFCON meeting was the 1980 group-stage clash, which Nigeria won 3–1. In recent qualifiers, the teams drew 0–0 in Dar es Salaam and Nigeria secured a 1–0 victory in Uyo.
In opening matches at AFCON, Nigeria have won three, drawn two, and lost five. The Super Eagles boast three titles (1980, 1994, 2013) and have finished as finalists in five additional tournaments, appearing in their 105th AFCON match overall — the third-most in tournament history. Key men in qualifiers include Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who scored two goals each.
Tanzania, making their fourth finals appearance, have yet to win a match at the tournament, with three draws and seven losses. The Taifa Stars achieved a milestone in 2023 with consecutive clean sheets for the first time in AFCON history. The standout performers in the qualifiers include Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum, who each scored two goals.