Nigeria have never lost any of their eight meetings with Tanzania, winning five, most-recently prevailing 1-0 in an AFCON qualifier in Uyo back in 2016.
Of all 30 nations Nigeria have faced eight or more times, they are only undefeated against Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya.
Nigeria vs Tanzania preview
Nigeria are not World Cup-bound, so can they salvage a disappointing year with Africa Cup of Nations glory? Last month, after beating Gabon in extra time, the Super Eagles' World Cup dreams went up in flames, defeating in a penalty shootout by DR Congo. This means they've now failed to make it to back-to-back World Cups, despite appearing at six of the previous seven editions.
So now, under pressure Éric Chelle is fully focussed on AFCON, with his team among the favourites to make a deep run. Well, Nigeria very much did just that at the most-recent tournament, knocking out Cameroon, Angola and then South Africa, before being defeated in the final in Abidjan by hosts Côte d'Ivoire. That was the Super Eagles' eighth AFCON final appearance, hoisting the trophy aloft in 1980, 1994 and 2013, and this team certainly has the talent to go all the way this year too.
Well, Nigeria should certainly win this opener in Fez, given Tanzania's minnow status. For a long time, the Taifa Stars' sole Africa Cup of Nations appearance had been in Nigeria in 1980, but they've now qualified for three of the last four editions. Miguel Gamondi's team finished above Guinea and Ethiopia in qualifying, so travel to Morocco seeking to make history.
To date, Tanzania have never won a match at the Cup of Nations, losing six out of nine, defeated in their opener by Morocco last year, before draws against Zambia and DR Congo saw them eliminated. Well, it would require a major upset for the Taifa Stars to win this one at Fez Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigeria vs Tanzania head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 8.
- Nigeria Wins: 5. Draws: 3. Tanzania Wins: Zero.
Nigeria team news
Éric Chelle has not included the now retired William Troost-Ekong, injured Ola Aina, Celtic's Kelechi Ịheanachọ or Premier League strikers Christantus Uche, Taiwo Awoniyi nor Tolu Arokodare in his squad, but there is still plenty of talent at his disposal.
Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze are all in line to start, as is the 2024 African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman, once of Craven Cottage of course.
Nigeria predicted lineup vs Tanzania: (4-2-3-1): Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen.
Nigeria player to watch vs Tanzania
Victor Osimhen has scored 31 goals in 45 appearances for the Super Eagles, netting six times during World Cup qualification, and he will continue to be Nigeria's talisman.
Tanzania team news
Almost every member of Miguel Gamondi's squad ply their trade domestically, with only eight exceptions.
This includes English-born duo Haji Mnoga of Salford City and Rochdale's Tarryn Allarakhia, as well as a new member of this squad Alphonce Msanga, who plays for Şamaxı in Azerbaijan's top-flight.
Tanzania predicted lineup vs Nigeria: (4-5-1): Suleiman Ali; Kapombe, Job, Mwamnyeto, Husseini; Mnoga, Miroshi, M'Mombwa, Salum, Msuva; Samatta.
Tanzania player to watch vs Nigeria
Mbwana Ally Samatta is the only Tanzanian player to ever featured in the Premier League, scoring for Aston Villa in the 2020 Carabao Cup Final. Now of Le Havre in Ligue 1, the striker has scored 22 times for the Taifa Stars, including netting at AFCON 2019, making him their most-likely hero here.
Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction
Given their major talent advantage, we're confidently backing Nigeria to swat aside a very limited Tanzanian team at Fez Stadium come Tuesday evening: Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania.
Nigeria vs Tanzania FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Nigeria vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Nigeria vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nigeria vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Nigeria vs Tanzania takes place on Tuesday 23 December 2025, with kick off at 17:30 (GMT), 12:30 (ET) & 9:30 (PT).