Nigeria vs Tanzania Prediction 23.12.2025 | AFCON

The Super Eagles head into AFCON 2025 with immense motivation, driven above all by a strong desire for redemption after the heartbreak of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they suffered a shocking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo national football team in the final qualifying hurdle.

Although widely tipped as strong favorites to top their group, Nigeria arrive in Morocco with lingering uncertainty, as the disappointment of their World Cup exit was compounded by a 2-1 friendly defeat to fellow AFCON contenders Egypt national football team.

That loss to the Pharaohs marked the managerial debut of Eric Chelle, who now faces immediate pressure to stabilize a back line that has shown clear vulnerabilities, managing just one clean sheet across their last six outings.

Further complicating matters, long-serving captain and centre-back William Troost-Ekong has stepped away from international football ahead of the tournament, prompting a leadership change. The captain’s armband has since been handed to Wilfred Ndidi, the influential Beşiktaş midfielder, who will be tasked with guiding the Super Eagles through what promises to be a demanding AFCON campaign.

Making only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania arrive in Morocco as clear underdogs in a demanding Group C that also features Uganda and Tunisia alongside their opening opponents. Still, with three teams progressing from the group, the Taifa Stars will feel they have an opportunity to compete and keep their hopes alive.

Like their opening-match rivals, Tanzania head into the tournament with a new face on the touchline. Still, head coach Miguel Gamondi has endured a difficult start to his tenure, overseeing a dramatic 4–3 defeat to Kuwait in their final pre-tournament friendly.

In their pursuit of a historic first-ever qualification beyond the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania will need to significantly raise their level of resilience and consistency. Their form heading into the tournament offers limited encouragement, having gone seven consecutive matches without a win, including five defeats.

The squad, largely built around key figures from domestic heavyweights Simba SC and Young Africans, will place considerable reliance on the leadership and experience of captain Mbwana Samatta. The Ligue 1 striker has recently rediscovered his scoring touch with Le Havre, and his form could prove crucial if Tanzania are to defy expectations on the continental stage.