Under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle, the Nigerian squad arrives in Morocco with a heavy sense of purpose. Following the heartbreak of a runners-up finish at AFCON 2023 and the more recent trauma of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this tournament is being framed by the players as a vital mission of national redemption.
"It's All About Going to War" — Victor Osimhen
Speaking ahead of the clash, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen made it clear that the Super Eagles are not taking their opponents lightly despite the significant gap in FIFA rankings (Nigeria 38th vs. Tanzania 112th).
"It's all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything," Osimhen told journalists in Fès. "We are not underrating anyone in our group. We are going to give our all to make sure that we actualize the dream of winning the AFCON. I am very positive about this squad."
Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year runner-up, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the team is focused on correcting the mistakes of the past. Lookman and Osimhen, who were Nigeria’s top scorers in the qualifying round, are expected to lead a lethal front three alongside Samuel Chukwueze.
The Tactical Setup
Coach Chelle is expected to deploy a familiar 4-3-3 formation designed to overwhelm Tanzania with pace and physicality.
• The Midfield Anchor: Captain Wilfred Ndidi will provide the defensive screen, allowing Alex Iwobi the freedom to operate as the creative engine.
• The Last Line of Defense: Stanley Nwabali remains the undisputed number one in goal, protected by a central pairing of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
• The Referee Factor: Interestingly, the match will be officiated by Dahane Beida of Mauritania—the same referee who took charge of the 2023 AFCON final loss to Ivory Coast.
Tanzania’s Quiet Confidence
The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, enter the match as massive underdogs. Tanzania has never won a match at an AFCON tournament in four previous attempts. However, they boast veteran experience in Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva, the latter of whom is set to earn his 100th international cap tonight.
Gamondi has urged his players to remain "disciplined and compact," hoping to catch a high-pressing Nigerian side on the counter-attack.
Match Details
With over 200 million Nigerians watching back home, the pressure is on the Super Eagles to prove they are still the "Giants of Africa."