Nigeria’s Super Eagles stepped up their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with another intense training session in Fes, Morocco, on Sunday, as attention turns to their Group C opener against Tanzania on Tuesday.
The encounter will take place at the Complex Sportif de Fes and marks Nigeria’s first outing in the group. The team has been based in Fes since arriving in Morocco last Thursday and has steadily intensified its build-up, holding multiple training sessions across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Before relocating to Morocco, the three-time African champions spent five days in Egypt, where they rounded off their preparations with a pre-tournament friendly that ended in a 2–1 defeat to the host nation.
Tanzania, known as the Taifa Stars, will be making just their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Under the guidance of head coach Miguel Gamondi, they are still searching for their first-ever victory at the tournament, having recorded three draws and six defeats across previous editions in 1980, 2019 and 2023.
Gamondi is expected to rely heavily on the experience of captain Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Le Havre in France, and winger Simon Msuva, currently based in Iraq. Other key figures in the squad include Young Africans wing-back Mohammed Hussein and Azam FC midfielder Feisal Salum, both of whom feature prominently in the Tanzania Premier League.
Following Tuesday’s clash with Tanzania, Nigeria will continue their Group C campaign against Tunisia on December 27 before rounding off the group stage against Uganda on December 30.
Having finished runners-up at the last edition after a narrow 2–1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles are aiming to add a fourth AFCON title to their history, with previous triumphs coming in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got underway on Sunday, with host nation Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match. Elsewhere, Mali will take on Zambia in the other Group A fixture on Monday, while Group B action sees seven-time champions Egypt begin their campaign against Zimbabwe, followed by a clash between South Africa and Angola.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled the “NAIJA 4 THE WIN” campaign, rallying nationwide support as the Super Eagles begin another quest for continental glory in Morocco.
