The Super Eagles of Nigeria seek a vital victory against Tanzania in their AFCON 2025 Group C opener to kickstart their quest for a fourth continental title.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will launch their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign this Tuesday with a high-stakes Group C opener against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Arriving in Morocco as three-time continental champions, Nigeria is heavily favored against a Tanzanian side making only its fourth tournament appearance.
Head coach Éric Chelle faces significant pressure to deliver a convincing performance and restore national confidence following the team’s recent absence from the World Cup.
Despite the gap in pedigree, the Super Eagles remain wary of the unpredictable nature of opening fixtures.
Nigeria has an illustrious history in the competition, boasting 104 matches compared to Tanzania’s ten, but the coaching staff emphasizes that reputation alone does not win games.
“Our first game is a big game and the first game is very important and for sure we want to win this game,” coach Chelle stated during Monday’s pre-match press conference.
Tanzania enters the clash searching for their first-ever victory at an AFCON final, having recorded only draws and losses in previous outings.
Led by captain Mbwana Samatta, the Taifa Stars hope to exploit any complacency in the Nigerian camp.
However, Nigeria’s captain Wilfred Ndidi dismissed talk of pressure, insisting the squad is energized. With a star-studded lineup including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Eagles aim to secure three points before facing Tunisia.