Nigeria’s Super Eagles will launch their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday with a clear mission to seize all three points when they face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the opening Group C clash of the 35th AFCON in Morocco.
The encounter, scheduled for Tuesday evening at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, pitches one of Africa’s most decorated football nations against a side still searching for its first win in the continent’s premier tournament. For Nigeria, victory is widely seen as non-negotiable if the team is to set the right tone from day one.
Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Previous outings in 1980, 2019 and 2023 all ended at the group stage, with the Taifa Stars failing to record a single victory across nine matches, managing three draws and suffering six defeats. The statistics underline the scale of the task before them.
In contrast, Nigeria’s pedigree at the AFCON is imposing. The Super Eagles are appearing in the tournament for the 20th time and boast three titles, five runner-up finishes and eight bronze medals. With 104 matches played, Nigeria remains the most consistent force in the competition’s 68-year history, even as Egypt lead the title count with seven trophies, followed by Cameroon with five and Ghana with four.
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Head coach Eric Chelle, who recently acknowledged that Nigerians expect wins in every match, is likely to field a strong starting lineup. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to anchor the defence, shielded by central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi are tipped to operate as wing-backs, while midfield duties should fall to captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. In attack, Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are expected to spearhead Nigeria’s goal threat.
Chelle also has depth on the bench, with options including Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu, giving Nigeria flexibility as the match unfolds.
Tanzania’s hopes rest largely on experience. Captain Mbwana Samatta of French Ligue 1 side Le Havre and winger Simon Msuva, who plays his club football in Iraq, are expected to carry much of the responsibility. Gamondi is also likely to rely on the energy of wing-back Mohammed Hussein of Young Africans and the creativity of Azam FC midfielder Feisal Salum to trouble the Nigerian defence.
The fixture revives memories of a historic opening match more than four decades ago. In 1980, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, a Nigerian side led by Christian Chukwu defeated Tanzania 3-1 in the opening game of the 12th AFCON, a victory that paved the way for Nigeria’s first continental title.
Although chilly conditions are expected in Fès on Tuesday, similar to much of Morocco at this time of year, the Super Eagles are determined not to let the weather slow them down. A convincing win would not only boost Nigeria’s confidence but also ignite excitement among football fans at home and in the diaspora as the 35th Africa Cup of Nations gathers momentum.
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