The Super Eagles were narrowly beaten 2–1 by hosts Ivory Coast in the previous final and are eager to go one better this time, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A late push in qualifying, aided by revised CAF rules for ranking runners-up and an extra-time playoff win over Gabon, briefly kept Nigeria’s hopes alive, but their journey ended in heartbreak with a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.
That result ensured Nigeria would miss a second consecutive World Cup, something that had not happened since before their debut appearance in 1994. The need for redemption is therefore strong for the three-time African champions, although preparations have not been perfect. A 2–1 friendly loss to Egypt last week halted a largely encouraging run of results that had included five wins in seven matches when their extra-time success over Gabon is included.
Despite that setback, anything other than a winning start would be a surprise given Nigeria’s standing in world football. Ranked 38th globally, they face a Tanzania side positioned 74 places lower, though recent AFCON history serves as a reminder not to take anything for granted. Nigeria drew their opening game at the last tournament against Equatorial Guinea before eventually topping the group and reaching the final.
Their wait for a first continental title since 2013 continues, and with a squad featuring high-profile players such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, expectations are firmly on Eric Chelle’s side to make a strong start.
Tanzania arrive with considerably less pressure, with more long-term focus on the 2027 AFCON, which they will co-host alongside Uganda and Kenya. Still, the Taifa Stars will be keen to improve on previous showings, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in all four of their past appearances, including the last edition where they finished bottom with just two points.
Form does little to inspire confidence, as Miguel Gamondi’s side are winless in seven matches across all competitions, drawing twice and losing five times. Their last four outings have all ended in defeat, including crucial World Cup qualifiers that saw them finish third in their group. Goals have also been hard to come by, with Tanzania scoring in only two of those seven matches, a worrying trend against opponents they have failed to score against in their last three meetings.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Nigeria’s squad selection has been affected by injuries, with Brentford-bound defender Benjamin Fredrick ruled out after suffering a knee problem and Ola Aina still sidelined following a hamstring injury picked up against South Africa in September. Former captain William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football, handing the armband to Wilfred Ndidi, who is expected to marshal midfield in Chelle’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond setup.
Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are likely to form the central defensive partnership, flanked by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, protecting first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In attack, Samuel Chukwueze comes into the tournament in good form after contributing five goals or assists in his last five Premier League games, while Alex Iwobi is also expected to feature prominently. Ademola Lookman, joint top scorer at the previous AFCON, should operate behind Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, who has scored 31 international goals and is closing in on the national record.
Tanzania have no new injury concerns, and Gamondi has named a 28-man squad largely made up of players from domestic clubs. Veteran forward Simon Msuva returns after missing recent international windows and could earn his 100th cap, while he is also one goal away from matching the long-standing national scoring record held by Mrisho Ngasa. Mbwana Samatta, now with Le Havre, sits three goals behind that milestone.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Sanusi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Tanzania possible starting lineup:
Suleiman; Kaponbe, Mwamnyeto, D. Job, M. Husseini; N Miroshi, F Salum; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 1-0 Tanzania
