AFCON 2025: ‘We are more than ready’ for Super Eagles - Tanzania Coach reveals

Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has declared his Taifa Stars “more than ready” to take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their opening Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Tuesday.

The encounter will mark the first AFCON meeting between Tanzania and Nigeria since 1980, when the Super Eagles defeated the Taifa Stars 3–1 on home soil.

That historic victory paved the way for Nigeria, then led by the late Christian Chukwu, to secure its maiden continental title.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Gomandi acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side but expressed confidence in their preparation and enthusiasm for the tournament.

“We are very well prepared and excited to be part of this AFCON,” the Argentine coach said.

He added, “We are more than ready for tomorrow’s game. We have a very difficult game, but it’s a nice challenge for us.”

Nigeria head into the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a squad filled with elite talent, including prolific striker Victor Osimhen.

Gomandi stressed that neutralising the Super Eagles’ attacking threat would require discipline, and maximum effort from his players.

“We need to be very careful and work in a perfect situation. I’m sure my players will put in extra effort to contain the threat from Nigeria,” he explained.

The Tanzania coach emphasised the importance of realism in his tactical approach, noting the depth and quality within the Nigerian team.

According to him, even the smallest lapse in concentration could prove costly.

“Our mentality is to try to play and attack as well. We need to be tactically disciplined, and there should not be any room for mistakes, because if you don’t avoid such mistakes, the qualities in the Nigerian team can punish you,” he concluded.