Nigeria face Tanzania in their opening group C match at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, hoping to begin their campaign on a winning note as they chase a fourth African title.
The three-time African champions enjoyed an incredible run to the final in the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast. However, they were defeated 2-1 by the host nation as they missed out on the chance to win their fourth AFCON title.
The Super Eagles will also be eager to put behind the recent setback of failing to book a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final, marking their second consecutive absence from the world event.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a strong 28-man team for the AFCON tournament, with several regulars included along with some new faces. In this article, we take a look at five players who could play key roles in the clash against Tanzania.
Calvin Bassey
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey will be eager to step up for the Super Eagles and play a commanding role in the backline at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Nigeria are without two of their best center-back options, with young defender Benjamin Fredrick ruled out of the competition with a knee injury suffered during training, while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football only a few weeks to the commencement of the tournament.
Regardless of who partners the 25-year-old in defence, much of the responsibility will rest on him to marshal the backline and help shield Stanley Nwabali in goal.
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Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfied Ndidi was announced as the new captain of the Nigerian national team ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament, with William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa now retired.
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The 29-year-old will be tasked with leading the Super Eagles both on and off the pitch and applying his experience to good use as the team chase a long-awaited fourth African title in Morocco.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has continued to prove his importance to the national team with a series of inspiring performances and will be eager to lead the line against Tanzania in their opening match.
The 26-year-old is expected to trouble opposing defenders with his pace and aerial prowess, while also keeping an eye on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record for the Super Eagles.
If Nigeria are to progress deep into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, much will depend on the form and impact of the Galatasaray striker.
Samuel Chukwueze
Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has been in remarkable form for Fulham in the English Premier League this season and will be hoping to carry the fine form to the national team, beginning with the clash against Tanzania.
The 26-year-old impressive dribbling skills and deep crosses will be one to watch out for when the Super Eagles go up against the Taifa Stars in their AFCON opener.
