Clarion Newschannel Sports Desk – December 23, 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kick off their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco today, facing Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in a Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès (Fez Stadium). Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30pm local time (5:30pm GMT / 6:30pm Nigerian time).
The three-time African champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2013, arrive in Morocco with a point to prove after the bitter disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles were runners-up in the previous AFCON edition in 2023 (played in 2024), falling 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final, and are determined to go one step further this time.
Led by head coach Éric Chelle, Nigeria boast a star-studded squad headlined by reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year. The duo are expected to spearhead the attack, supported by talents like Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi. Midfield general Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş) has been handed the captain’s armband and will anchor the engine room.
However, the Super Eagles will be without injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick, adding a note of caution ahead of the opener. A recent pre-tournament friendly defeat to Egypt has also tempered expectations, reminding fans that AFCON openers can be tricky – as evidenced by Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the last edition.
Tanzania, ranked 112th in the world (74 places below Nigeria), are making their fifth AFCON appearance and a landmark consecutive qualification for the first time. The Taifa Stars have yet to win a single match at the finals (six losses, three draws in nine games) and arrive as underdogs in a tough Group C that also includes Tunisia and Uganda.
Under interim coach Miguel Gamondi – appointed just a month ago after the dismissal of Hemed Suleiman – Tanzania will rely on experienced forward Mbwana Samatta and creative players like Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum to pose any threat. Historically, Nigeria hold a dominant record, unbeaten in encounters since Tanzania’s last win in 1980 at the AFCON finals.
The Super Eagles are overwhelming favourites on paper and tipped to top the group, but coach Chelle has urged caution: “There are no small teams.” Striker Victor Osimhen echoed the sentiment, stating, “We’re going to war… we will give everything and we’re not underrating anyone.”
The match will be broadcast live in Nigeria on SuperSport channels and various streaming platforms. Fans across the continent will be watching as Nigeria aim to start strong in their pursuit of a fourth continental crown.
Stay tuned to Clarion Newschannel for live updates, post-match analysis, and full AFCON coverage.
Super Eagles Launch Quest for Fourth AFCON Title Against Tanzania in Group C Opener
