Super Eagles vs Tanzania: AFCON 2025 Opener Preview Kick-off Time Head-to-Head & Where to Watch

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will launch their 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on Tuesday evening in Fès, Morocco, when they face Tanzania in a Group C opener that strongly favours the West African giants on paper.

Forty-five years after their first AFCON meeting, Nigeria return to the continental stage armed with pedigree, depth and a dominant historical record against a Tanzania side still searching for its maiden AFCON victory.

The two nations last crossed paths at the AFCON finals on March 8, 1980, when hosts Nigeria opened their title-winning campaign with a 3-1 victory over the Taifa Stars at the National Stadium, Surulere. That match, led by legendary captain Christian Chukwu, set the tone for Nigeria’s first continental triumph, while Tanzania, captained by Leodegar Tenga, struggled to recover.

Since then, Nigeria have maintained clear superiority. Across seven meetings in all competitions, the Super Eagles are unbeaten, recording four wins and three draws. Their most recent encounters came during qualification for the 2017 AFCON, ending in a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam before Nigeria edged the return fixture in Uyo.

Nigeria’s AFCON pedigree further underlines their favourite status. This is their 21st appearance at the tournament — more than any nation outside Egypt — and their 105th AFCON match overall, the third-highest in the competition’s history.

Champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, the Super Eagles have finished in the top three in 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances and have exited at the group stage just twice in their history. Their performances in North Africa are equally impressive, having finished on the podium in five of the six tournaments hosted in the region.

Tanzania’s AFCON record tells a different story. This is only their fourth appearance at the finals and their second consecutive qualification. In 10 AFCON matches, they are yet to register a win, with three draws and seven defeats. They have scored just once in their last four finals matches and have lost all three of their previous tournament openers.

Nigeria’s record in opening fixtures also provides confidence. The Super Eagles have won 13 of their 20 AFCON opening matches, drawing two and losing five. They are unbeaten in their last three AFCON openers, have lost only one of their last 14 group-stage matches, and have suffered just four defeats in their last 25 AFCON games.

Qualification for Morocco was smooth for Nigeria, who went through unbeaten with four wins and two draws. Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen finished as joint top scorers during the qualifiers.

At the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, head coach Eric Chelle is expected to rely on a familiar spine. Stanley Nwabali should start in goal, with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey anchoring the defence, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi operate as wing-backs.

Wilfred Ndidi, recently appointed captain, is set to marshal the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. In attack, Moses Simon, Lookman and Osimhen are expected to lead the line.

Nigeria also boast significant depth, with the likes of Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu available as impact substitutes.

Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, will rely on discipline and organisation. Captain Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Le Havre in Ligue 1, remains their key figure, supported by winger Simon Msuva and creative midfielder Feisal Salum. Wing-back Mohammed Hussein is expected to provide width and energy.

There is a Nigerian connection within the Tanzanian squad, with goalkeeper Amas Obasogie currently playing club football alongside Hussein Masalinga and Khalid Iddi in the Tanzanian league.

Cold conditions are expected in Fès, in line with Morocco’s winter climate, but the Super Eagles will be hoping to ignite their campaign with a strong opening performance and give fans at home and across the diaspora an early reason to celebrate.

Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Kick-off Time: 6:30 p.m.

Head-to-Head (AFCON)

Nigeria: P1 W1 D0 L0 GF3 GA1
Tanzania: P1 W0 D0 L1 GF1 GA3

Head-to-Head (Overall)

Nigeria: P7 W4 D3 L0 GF11 GA3
Tanzania: P7 W0 D3 L4 GF3 GA11

Where to Watch Nigeria vs Tanzania

The match will be broadcast live in Nigeria on SuperSport channels 252 and 254 on DStv, with mobile streaming options available. Viewers in South Africa can watch on SABC 3, while audiences in francophone regions can follow the game via Canal+ Afrique.