Nigeria vs Tanzania: Preview, predictions, where to watch as Super Eagles kick off AFCON 2025 campaign

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on Tuesday against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco. 

Will the three-time African champions get their campaign off to the perfect start? Or will the Taifa Stars pull off an upset?

Where to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania live

Nigeria vs Tanzania takes place on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. Kick-off time is 18:00 WAT. Fans from Nigeria can catch all the action live on SuperSport.

Nigeria vs Tanzania predicted lineups

Nigeria

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.

Tanzania

Goalkeeper: Yakoub Suleiman Ali
Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Hamad, Mohamed Hussein
Midfielders: Novatus Mirashi, Feisal Salum, Mudathir Yahya
Forwards: Clement Mzize, Simon Msuva, Mbwana Samatta

Quick stats

• Tanzania have never won a match against Nigeria in any competition.
• This is only Tanzania’s third appearance at the 

Nigeria vs Tanzania: Analysis of the match

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle comes into the competition under immense pressure. His inability to get Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup called his position into question, and there is a sense that if Nigeria underperform at the AFCON, it will be his last runout with the three-time African champions. 

The biggest concern is around his tactical flexibility. His preference for a midfield diamond often stifles his own side’s creativity, making them easier for opponents with little ambition –  the likes of Tanzania, so to speak – to defend against. He, however, has not had a significant training block in which to drill his system before now. If he can get it right, this could turn out to be a proper mismatch.

Nigeria vs Tanzania head-to-head record

There have been, in total, eight meetings between these two nations, one of which has come at the AFCON. Unsurprisingly, the Super Eagles have the upper hand with five wins, while the other three fixtures have ended all square.

Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction

It is difficult to project anything other than a win for the beaten 2023 finalists. However, Tanzania, with their team drawn mainly from the Tanzanian top-flight, boast a togetherness and purpose that could make them tricky customers.

Considering that the bane of the Super Eagles in recent times has been an inability to convert their superiorities into goals.