Nigeria and Tanzania meet on Tuesday at the Fez Stadium as both teams begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Nigeria arrive as last tournament’s runners-up, while Tanzania look to make a solid opening against one of the continent’s heavyweights. Nigeria fell just short at the previous AFCON, losing the final 2-1 to Ivory Coast. Since then, the Super Eagles have had mixed results, including missing out on the 2026 World Cup after a penalty defeat to DR Congo. AFCON now offers a chance to reset and rebuild confidence.
The Super Eagles have quality across the pitch. They are unbeaten in their last 7 matches in all competitions and are known for starting tournaments strongly. Their challenge will be turning control into goals early. Tanzania comes in with less pressure but clear motivation. They have won just 1 of their last 6 matches, and most of their squad is made up of home-based players. Still, they are organised, disciplined, and have kept games tight, with under 2.5 goals in each of their last five matches.Nigeria are dealing with a few absentees. Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina miss out through injury, while William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football. Wilfred Ndidi is expected to captain the side and control midfield. Tanzania have no major injury concerns. Veteran forward Simon Msuva could earn his 100th cap, while Mbwana Samatta remains their main attacking threat.
Nigeria vs Tanzania: Key Stats
📊 Head to head: Nigeria 1 win, Tanzania 0 wins, Draws 1
📊 Nigeria: Unbeaten in their last 7 matches in all competitions
📊 Nigeria: Have not lost 63 of their last 73 home games
📊 Tanzania: Only 1 win in their last 6 matches
📊 Tanzania: Under 2.5 goals in their last 5 games
Predicted Lineups
🦅Nigeria (4-4-2 Diamond)
Nwabali; Sanusi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
🐆Tanzania (4-2-3-1)
Suleiman; Kaponbe, Mwamnyeto, D. Job, M. Husseini; N Miroshi, F Salum; Msuva, M’Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Ademola Lookman – Link between midfield and attack
🔹 Simon Msuva – Experience and leadership for Tanzania
🔹 Mbwana Samatta – Tanzania’s main goal threat
