Nigeria vs Tanzania (2:1): Africa Cup of Nations 23/12/2025

December 23, 2025

Status: Finished

2-1

Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria

Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kick off their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign against Tanzania in a Group C opener that pits one of the tournament favourites against an East African side looking to cause an upset. With Nigeria boasting stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, expectations are high for a strong start as they chase a fourth continental title.

The match is scheduled for 23 December 2025 with kick-off at 17:30 GMT+0 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fes, Morocco, a neutral venue with a capacity of 45,000. This Group C fixture marks the beginning of the group stage in the 2025 AFCON, hosted by Morocco. No specific referee appointments have been confirmed yet for this encounter.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

As we dive into this Group C clash, understanding recent performances and historical trends is key to forming a solid Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction today. Nigeria enter as heavy favourites, driven by redemption after World Cup qualifying disappointment, while Tanzania aim to build on their resilient qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles have shown flashes of brilliance in attack but defensive vulnerabilities in recent outings. Tanzania, compact and organised, could frustrate early on. Head-to-head history heavily favours Nigeria, adding pressure on the underdogs. Motivation levels are high for both, with Nigeria eyeing top spot in the group. Expect a tactical battle where individual quality might decide the outcome.

Nigeria Results

Nigeria have displayed mixed form heading into the tournament, with strong qualifying wins overshadowed by recent friendly and playoff defeats. The Super Eagles possess depth in attack but have struggled defensively at times.

Key players like Osimhen remain pivotal, though injuries have impacted selections.

Nigeria have won three of their last five, scoring freely against weaker opposition but conceding in tougher tests. Home/away splits show vulnerability on the road, though this neutral venue suits their attacking style. The recent loss to Egypt highlighted defensive issues, but victories over Benin and Gabon underscore their potency upfront. Overall, three wins from five suggest momentum when facing lower-ranked sides. Expect Nigeria to dominate possession here.

Tanzania Results

Tanzania have qualified for consecutive AFCON finals, showing improvement, but recent results reveal struggles against stronger teams. The Taifa Stars rely on organisation and counter-attacks led by Mbwana Samatta.

Tanzania are winless in their last five, with just one draw and four defeats. Defensive resilience is evident in low-scoring games, but attacking output remains limited. Friendlies against Kuwait and Iran exposed vulnerabilities against higher quality. The draw in Congo shows grit away from home. Facing Nigeria, they will likely sit deep, but recent form suggests difficulty holding out.

Who will win Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Tanzania?

Nigeria > Draw > Tanzania >

Nigeria

69%

Draw

20%

Tanzania

11%

Nigeria vs Tanzania Head-to-Head

Nigeria dominate the historical matchup, remaining unbeaten against Tanzania in competitive encounters. The Super Eagles have won three of the last five, with clean sheets in the most recent two.

This trend dates back decades, highlighting Tanzania’s struggle to breach Nigeria’s defence.

Nigeria’s superiority is clear, with Tanzania failing to win any of the five. Clean sheets in recent qualifiers underline defensive strength in this fixture. Tanzania have scored just twice overall. This history points to another controlled performance from the Super Eagles. No upsets in sight based on past meetings.

Predicted Starting Lineups for Nigeria vs Tanzania

Lineups are subject to last-minute changes due to tactical decisions, fitness checks, or coach preferences, especially with Nigeria dealing with defensive injuries (Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick ruled out). These are the most likely starting XIs based on recent team news, squad selections, and expert predictions ahead of this AFCON 2025 Group C opener.

Nigeria possible starting lineup

Nwabali (GK); Osayi-Samuel (DF), Ajayi (DF), Bassey (DF), Sanusi (DF); Ndidi (MF), Iwobi (MF), Onyeka (MF); Chukwueze (MF), Osimhen (FW), Lookman (FW)

Tanzania possible starting lineup

Manula (GK); Mnoga (DF), Mwamnyeto (DF), Job (DF), Husseini (DF); Miroshi (MF), Yahya (MF); Msuva (MF), Salum (MF), Allarakhia (FW); Samatta (FW)

Key Factors to Watch

Several elements could influence the outcome in this Group C opener. Nigeria’s superior squad depth contrasts with Tanzania’s organisation, while external factors like venue and fitness play a role.

Monitoring these will sharpen any betting decisions.

• Nigeria missing key defenders like Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick due to injury, potentially weakening the backline;
• Tanzania entering with a fully fit squad, allowing their strongest XI and tactical flexibility;
• Nigeria’s attacking firepower led by Osimhen and Lookman, capable of unlocking compact defences;
• Tanzania’s recent failure to score in five of seven games, struggling for goals against better sides;
• Super Eagles’ motivation for redemption after World Cup qualifying failure and AFCON 2023 final loss;
• Taifa Stars’ resilient qualifying run, finishing second in their group with late wins;
• Neutral venue in Morocco, no home advantage but familiar conditions for both;
• Tanzania’s winless streak in last five matches, building pressure early in the tournament;
• Nigeria’s three clean sheets in recent H2H, suggesting another low-scoring affair for Tanzania;
• Potential for rotation in a group opener, but Nigeria likely to field stars for a statement win.

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Free Tips on Nigeria vs Tanzania

Before placing any bets on this AFCON 2025 Group C opener between Nigeria and Tanzania, it’s essential to dig into the underlying statistics from recent matches and historical encounters. These free tips draw directly from team form trends, head-to-head data, and broader performance indicators to help identify potential value. Analyzing these elements gives a clearer picture of productivity in past games and where advantages might lie tomorrow.

• Head-to-Head Dominance: Nigeria have remained unbeaten in their last five meetings with Tanzania, winning three and keeping clean sheets in the most recent competitive clashes – this historical edge often translates to controlled, low-scoring affairs against the Taifa Stars.
• Recent Schedule and Fatigue: Both teams come off a busy November with World Cup qualifiers and friendlies; Tanzania’s congested run has contributed to a seven-match winless streak, potentially leaving them vulnerable early in the tournament against a Nigeria side eager for redemption.
• Tactics and Style of Play: Nigeria’s attacking approach, built around quick transitions and stars like Osimhen, clashes well against Tanzania’s compact, counter-attacking setup – expect the Super Eagles to exploit spaces, leading to higher possession and shot volume.
• Weather Conditions on Match Day: December in Fes brings cooler temperatures around 16°C daytime highs with possible chill in the evening; this could slow the pace slightly, favoring technical play over high-intensity running and potentially reducing total goals.
• Player Form Spotlight: Key Nigerian attackers like Ademola Lookman are in strong club form, while Tanzania struggle for consistent goal threats – backing in-form individuals to influence outcomes, such as shots on target, adds targeted value beyond the match result.

Nigeria vs Tanzania Match Prediction 2025

Nigeria hold a clear edge in quality and history, making them strong favourites to secure three points in this opener. Despite defensive injuries, their attacking talent headlined by Osimhen should overwhelm Tanzania’s organised but limited side.

The Nigeria vs Tanzania odds reflect this disparity, with the Super Eagles priced short for victory. Tanzania may keep it tight early, but Nigeria’s individual brilliance and depth will likely prevail for a comfortable win. Expect goals from set-pieces or transitions exploiting Tanzania’s low scoring form.

Our Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Tanzania

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