AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Tanzania — Match Preview, Date, Time and TV Details

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will kick off their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign against Tanzania, marking the first meeting between both sides since 1980.

Nigeria head into the tournament seeking redemption on multiple fronts. The team, now coached by Eric Chelle, finished as runners-up at the last AFCON after surrendering a first-half lead in the final, where hosts Ivory Coast staged a comeback to claim a 2–1 victory.

The Super Eagles also endured a difficult run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A string of draws and defeats saw them rely on revised CAF rules for ranking second-placed teams, scrape past Gabon after extra time, and eventually bow out on penalties against DR Congo, ending their World Cup qualification hopes.

While Nigeria appear favourites on paper against Tanzania, caution remains necessary. The Eagles were recently beaten by Egypt in a preparatory friendly, a result that highlighted lingering vulnerabilities ahead of the tournament.

Tanzania, known as the Taifa Stars, are making their fifth AFCON appearance and will be eager to move beyond their history of group-stage exits, having failed to progress from the opening round in their previous four outings. The team is also using this tournament as part of preparations for the next AFCON, which they will co-host alongside Uganda and Kenya.

However, Tanzania’s recent form is a concern. They have failed to win any of their last seven matches, recording two draws and five defeats, including a World Cup qualifier loss to Zambia. Their preparations were further dented by a 4–3 defeat to Kuwait in an international friendly.

Nigeria boast a formidable squad featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, making the fixture look uneven on paper. Tanzania, however, will look to Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum to provide attacking threat and test the Nigerian defence.

Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group C)
Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (Nigerian time)
Venue: Fez Stadium, Fes
Where to Watch: CAF TV

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