Three-time champions Nigeria begin their latest quest for continental glory this Tuesday as they take on Tanzania in a Group C opener that many expect to be a one-sided affair.
After the heartbreak of finishing as runners-up in 2023, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco under the stewardship of new head coach Eric Chelle, desperate to secure a fourth star for their crest.
However, they face a resilient Tanzania side that proved in qualifying they can frustrate the tournament’s biggest names.
Match details: time and venue
The historic city of Fez plays host to this opening Group C fixture, with a late afternoon kick-off scheduled to avoid the peak Moroccan heat.
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Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025
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Kick-off: 17:30 GMT (18:30 local time)
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Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès
Where to watch the game
- Global: Fans in sub-Saharan Africa can watch via SuperSport, while beIN Sports will carry the match in the US and France.
- beIN SPORTS
- New World TV, Canal+ CAN, DAZN Switzerland, Free, Sunrise TV, SuperSport Grandstand HD, SuperSport MáXimo 360, SuperSport PSL HD.
- UK TV: Live on 4Seven (Coverage begins at 17:20 GMT).
- Streaming: Available via the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel and the All 4 streaming platform.
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Team News: Nigeria’s injury concerns
While Nigeria boasts arguably the most fearsome attack in the tournament, Eric Chelle has been forced to navigate a growing defensive crisis.
The big news from the Super Eagles camp is the uncertainty surrounding first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The 29-year-old, who was the hero of their 2023 run, is battling a persistent hand injury. If he isn’t cleared, Maduka Okoye is expected to return to the starting XI.
Defensive prospect Benjamin Fredrick has already been ruled out, while veteran Wilfred Ndidi takes over the captain’s armband following the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong. Up front, the reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen is fully fit and expected to lead a line that includes the in-form Ademola Lookman.
Tanzania, coached by Argentine Miguel Ángel Gamondi, will look to their iconic captain Mbwana Samatta for inspiration. The former Aston Villa man has rediscovered his scoring touch at Le Havre this season and will be the focal point of Taifa Stars side that relies heavily on local talent from Young Africans and Simba SC.
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David vs Goliath?
On paper, the gulf is vast. Nigeria is ranked 112 places above Tanzania in the FIFA world rankings, and the Super Eagles have never lost to the East African nation in a competitive senior fixture.
However, Tanzania’s recent record of defensive solidity—keeping four clean sheets in six qualifying matches—suggests they won’t simply roll over in Fez.
“The pressure is on Nigeria, not us,” said coach Gamondi. “We have seen underdogs thrive in this competition before. We have a plan to make them uncomfortable.”
Group C: The wider picture
With Tunisia and Uganda playing later on Tuesday evening, Nigeria will be keen to lay down a marker and avoid any early slip-ups in what is a tricky group.
| Team | AFCON Best | FIFA Ranking |
| Nigeria | Winners (x3) | 38 |
| Tunisia | Winners (2004) | 52 |
| Uganda | Runners-up (1978) | 88 |
| Tanzania | Group Stage | 112 |
