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Nigeria open their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on Tuesday evening against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium, knowing the tournament represents a chance at redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles reached the final of the last AFCON in 2023 and remain among the favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco.
Ranked 38th in the world, Nigeria boast a squad packed with experience and star power, including African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Here are five facts between Nigeria and our first #AFCON2025 opponents Tanzania.#NAIJA4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/CiEdIzWicp
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 10, 2025
Tanzania, ranked 112th, arrive as clear underdogs but will not be taken lightly.
The Taifa Stars are making their fourth AFCON appearance and showed resilience at the last edition, drawing two group games, their best-ever return at the tournament. Led by captain Mbwana Samatta, they will look to frustrate Nigeria with organisation and team chemistry built around domestic clubs Simba SC and Young Africans.
Skippo Wilfred Ndidi makes a public service announcement, THE EAGLES ARE LIVE IN MOROCCO.!
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) December 19, 2025
Pray for Tanzania, Naija Boys are ready to cook#afcon25withbrila pic.twitter.com/dw2nBofxUI
Nigeria have named a 28-man squad for the tournament, with ten players set to make their AFCON debut. There are no major injury concerns ahead of the opener, and a strong starting XI is expected.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30pm on December 23. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, beIN Sports, SABC 3, and streamed via TOD, beIN Connect, and FuboTV.
Nigeria are favourites, but AFCON history suggests nothing should be taken for granted.
