AFCON

Match Preview: Nigeria vs Tanzania – AFCON 2025

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Nigeria, three-time champions, face Tanzania in Group C at AFCON 2025. This clash highlights the gulf between a continental powerhouse and a nation still striving to establish itself at Africa’s top table.

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total meetings: At least 8 recorded competitive and friendly matches.
  • Nigeria wins: 5
  • Draws: 3
  • Tanzania wins: 0.
  • Recent clash: Nigeria beat Tanzania 1–0 in AFCON 2017 qualifiers (Sept 2016).

AFCON Performance

Nigeria (Super Eagles):

  • Titles: 3 (1980, 1994, 2013).
  • Other highlights: Runners-up 4 times (1984, 1988, 1990, 2019).
  • Recent form: Finalists at AFCON 2023, losing to Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Consistency: 20 AFCON appearances, one of the most successful nations in the competition.

Tanzania (Taifa Stars):

  • Appearances: 4 (1980, 2019, 2023, 2025).
  • Best finish: Group stage in all editions.
  • Notable moment: First AFCON point in 1980 (1–1 vs Ivory Coast).
  • Recent form: Group stage exit in AFCON 2023, but achieved their highest-ever points tally (2 draws).

Players to Watch

Nigeria:

  • Victor Osimhen (Galatasary striker): Star forward, Golden Boot contender.
  • Alex Iwobi (Fulham): Creativity and pace gowing forward.
  • Ademola Lookman (Atalanta ): Skillful winger and packs a bag full of goals.
  • Francis Uzoho (Omonia goalkeeper): Experienced shot-stopper.

Tanzania:

  • Mbwana Samatta (PAOK striker): Veteran leader, Tanzania’s most capped forward.
  • Saimon Msuva (JS Kabylie winger): Direct attacking threat.

Comparison Table

CategoryNigeriaTanzania
AFCON Titles3 (1980, 1994, 2013)0
Best FinishChampionsGroup stage
Head-to-Head Record5 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses0 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses
Recent HighlightFinalists (2023)Group stage (2023, 2 draws)
Star PlayersOsimhen, Lookman, IwobiSamatta, Msuva,

Outlook

  • Nigeria: Heavy favorites, with Osimhen leading a stacked attack. Their AFCON pedigree and depth make them contenders for the title.
  • Tanzania: Underdogs, but with Samatta and Msuva, they can threaten on the counter. Their aim will be to frustrate Nigeria and snatch a point.
  • Prediction: Nigeria’s firepower should secure a comfortable win, but Tanzania’s defensive discipline could keep the scoreline respectable.

Kelvin Musako

Kelvin Musako

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