AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Tanzania - Why Taifa Stars aren't intimidated by Super Eagles

Don't tell Tanzania they're underdogs. They're not listening. The Taifa Stars head into their AFCON 2025 opener against Nigeria on Tuesday with genuine belief they can pull off a stunning upset, fueled by recent momentum and unshakeable confidence.​

Tanzanian midfielder Feisal Salum, a standout for Azam FC, points to their quarter-final run as co-hosts of the Africa Nations Championship in August, where they fell to eventual champions Morocco, as a key inspiration.

"Everyone is highly motivated after our performance in CHAN," Salum told CAF. "Those were very tough games, almost at the same level as an AFCON. We've built incredible belief and fighting spirit."​

With a squad mostly of locally-based players ensuring strong cohesion, Tanzania fine-tuned in an Egyptian training camp, playing friendlies against local clubs to sharpen readiness and boost standards.​

Drawn in tough Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia, and East African rivals Uganda, Tanzania opens against the Super Eagles in Fez on Tuesday.

"AFCON is one of the biggest stages, and we want to shine," Salum added. "We've prepared well for this tough group."​

Tanzania have yet to win at AFCON, finishing last in their 2019 group with three losses and earning two draws in 2023's Ivory Coast edition.

Under new coach Miguel Gamondi, Salum believes they've learned discipline and intensity, targeting the round of 16. "We need 100 percent effort with no room for error," he explained.​

Nigeria boasts an unbeaten record in seven meetings, including a 3-1 AFCON 1980 win en route to the title.

Yet Taifa Stars arrive organised with threats like captain Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva, and Salum, ready to exploit any chaos in this tournament of surprises.

Also, their new boss has promised to find a solution to cage Super Eagles main man, Victor Osimhen, when both nations go head-to-head again for the eighth time. Kickoff is at 6:30pm local time at Complexe Sportif de Fès.​