The 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco will kick off on December 21 through January 18 with 24 countries participating.For the first time,this year’s AFCON is holding in December due to the new UEFA Champions League schedulethat sees the final two matchdays of the league phase played at the end of January,
Super Eagles of Nigeria will open their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in a Group C encounter that is expected to command significant attention as both sides begin their quests in Morocco.
Nigeria, three-time champions with titles in 1980, 1994 and 2013, enter the tournament seeking to restore their continental stature after a turbulent period marked by a failed attempt to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Eric Chelle’s team suffered heartbreak in the CAF playoff final, falling 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo after a 1–1 draw in Rabat on 16 November 2025.
Frank Onyeka had put the Eagles ahead before Meschack Elia’s late equaliser forced extra time and, eventually, a shootout that ended Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
Tanzania arrive with renewed confidence following their decisive 1–0 victory over Guinea in November 2024, which sealed their qualification for the tournament.
Simon Msuva’s second-half header secured the Taifa Stars’ fourth-ever AFCON appearance, adding to previous participations in 1980, 2019 and 2023.
Their hard-earned qualification reflects their growing resilience and intent to compete more assertively on the continental stage.
For Nigeria, the upcoming AFCON represents an opportunity for redemption following their World Cup disappointment.
The Super Eagles will look to lean on their historical pedigree and a strong squad as they aim to set the tone early in what is expected to be a competitive Group C.
Tanzania, meanwhile, will hope to build on the momentum from their qualification campaign.
While their AFCON history has yet to yield major breakthroughs, the experience gained from past appearances could prove crucial as they seek to challenge higher-ranked opponents.
With both teams completing their final preparations, the Group C opener promises an intriguing matchup. A positive result could shape not only the trajectory of each side’s group-stage ambitions but also their overall prospects in the tournament.
Tanzania Squad
New Tanzania National Team Squad (Taifa Stars)
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has officially announced the squad for the Taifa Stars ahead of their training camp in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Zambia.
Squad List:
Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC)
Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS)
Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)
Israel Mwenda (Young Africans)
Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC)
Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans)
Elias Lawi (Azam FC)
Wilson Nangu (Simba SC)
Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey)
Pascal Msindo (Azam FC)
Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans)
Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England)
Dickson Job (Young Africans)
Miano Danilo (FK Panevėžys, Lithuania)
Offen Chikola (Young Africans)
Aziz Andambwile (Young Africans)
Yahya Zayd (Azam FC)
Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC)
Habibu Idd (Singida BS)
Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale AFC, England)
Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta)
Suleiman Mwalimu (Simba SC)
Feisal Salum (Azam FC)
Morice Abraham (Simba SC)
Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC)
Edwin Balua (EN Paralimniou, Cyprus)
Head Coach: Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’
