Nigeria face Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener looking to put World Cup 2026 qualifying heartbreak behind them.
The Super Eagles will hope to conquer Africa after going so close last time out in the 2-1 final defeat to Ivory Coast, with fellow contenders Egypt up and running after late drama last night in a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe, with Mohamed Salah putting uncertainty over his Liverpool future behind him to strike for the Pharaohs.
Despite surviving CAF qualifying and then snatching a dramatic extra-time victory over Gabon in the playoff semi-final, Nigeria succumbed to DR Congo on penalties, meaning two successive World Cups without an appearance.
Nigeria's 2-1 friendly loss to Egypt before the tournament has hit their momentum, but expectations will be high ahead of the opener against the Taifa Stars, with Wilfred Ndidi leading the Super Eagles and Victor Osimhen tasked with firing them to success up top.
Follow live updates from Nigeria v Tanzania, below:
Read MoreAfcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
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Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Nigeria v Tanzania
- Super Eagles in Group C action to open Africa Cup of Nations campaign | Live on Channel 4
- Tunisia v Uganda rounds up Group C opening matches at 8pm GMT
- Group D action today sees Senegal v Botswana and Congo DR v Benin
- 11' OFF THE BAR! Adams header hits woodwork from corner [NGA 0-0 TAN]
- Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi, Sanusi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
- Tanzania XI: Foba; Kaponbe, Husseim, Hamad, Mwamnyeto; Miroshi, Mbula; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:53 , Will Castle21 mins: Commentary reveals that the rain is beginning to come down heavier and heavier, which could pose some damp conditions that prove difficult for goalkeepers.
Should we expect some long-range efforts?
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:48 , Will Castle16 mins: Another pacey break from Nigeria sees Osimhen slipped through down the right before blasting goalwards, but he fires high and wide.
The offside flag then goes up but replays show he was in line.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:46 , Will Castle14 mins: A sight of goal for Tanzania now as they work it in behind the Nigeria defence before getting a shot off, but it’s straight at Nwabali.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:45 , Will Castle11 mins: OFF THE BAR! And it’s even closer from the corner that resulted from that save!
Chukwueze whips in a wonderful delivery and while it’s Fulham teammate Bassey that rises, it looks like the header comes off Adams as the ball ricochets off the crossbar.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:42 , Will Castle9 mins: CHANCE! First big chance of the game comes Nigeria’s way!
Adams is slipped into the box and tries to drive around the goalkeeper, but Foba stays with him and dives down to deny the Sevilla striker.
Foba is now receiving treatment for an injury he sustained while making the save.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:41 , Will Castle8 mins: Tanzania have a free-kick opportunity but it’s well collected by Nwabali, who is quick off his line to claim the lofted ball.
Up the other end, Sanusi feels hard done by not to have won a corner - and replays show he might have a point.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:38 , Will Castle5 mins: Chukwueze fires from range and it’s an awkward one for Foba, bouncing right in front of his feet as he comes to collect.
It bobbles a bit out of his hands but he manages to control the spill.
Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:34 , Will Castle1 min: A loose ball is pounced on by Lookman and Nigeria’s stacked attack looks to strike early, bombing forward before Osimhen is slipped wide.
The striker tries to dink a cross towards Adams but the delivery is dealt with and cleared.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania
17:32 , Will CastleAfter a prolonged Nigeria huddle, we are underway in Fes!
Anthems echo around Fez Stadium
17:29 , Will CastleThe anthems fade, hands shake and eyes lock in. Kick-off is next.
Closing in on kick-off
17:25 , Will CastleWe are just moments away from kick-off in Fes as Nigeria take on Tanzania in their Group C opener.
Here come the teams - anthems up next!
Who is Tarryn Allarakhia?
17:21 , Will CastleThe majority of Tanzania’s starting line-up play club football in their homeland, but would you be surprised to hear that their left-winger plies his trade for National League leaders Rochdale?
Tarryn Allarakhia, born in Redbridge in London, has spent his career bouncing around the lower leagues of English football and after stints at the likes of Crawley, Colchester and Leyton Orient, he has found his home at Spotland over the past couple of years and is helping Dale’s bid to get promoted back to the Football League this season.
Not often do National League teams need to contend with players leaving on international duty, but after declaring for Tanzania last year, the 28-year-old finds himself in the thick of their Afcon plans!
It's matchday at #AFCON2025 as Tarryn Allarakhia's Tanzania and Nigeria go head-to-head in Group C 🌍
— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) December 23, 2025
Best of luck, Taz 🤝#rafc pic.twitter.com/vPZtJkSP3J
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
17:16 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco on Sunday 21 December, with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to be played on Sunday 18 January - far earlier than when held at this time of the calendar than in previous years.
The 35th edition of the biennial tournament was initially set to be played in July and August 2025, in order to reduce disruption with the European football season.
But the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is, once again, a talking point - which is unfair to the tournament itself as it becomes squeezed by club football’s endless expansion.
The Africa Cup of Nations was moved to begin in December in order to make room for the expanded Club World Cup, which featured 32 teams for the first time and took place in the United States between June and July earlier this year.
On the other side, the conclusion of the new Champions League league phase in January, which features an additional two matches, forced an earlier start to Afcon and for the tournament to be played over Christmas and the New Year period for the first time.
Full story:
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Remember Ally Samatta?
17:12 , Will CastleThe most recognisable face on Tanzania’s team sheet will no doubt be striker Ally Samatta, who spent a few not-so-memorable months at Aston Villa in 2020.
After an impressive four-year stint at Belgian side Genk, Samatta joined the then relegation-threatened Villains in the winter transfer window of the 2019/20 season for a fee of £8.5m.
He went on to score on his league debut, a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, notably becoming the first player from Tanzania to play - and subsequently score - in the Premier League.
Despite the bright start, he only scored one more goal for Villa during his stay - which, to be fair, came at Wembley in a 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
He would move to Fenerbahce on loan later in the year, which proved the end of his stay at Villa Park as he later joined the Turkish giants permanently.
Short but sweet, you could say.
Patson Daka's terrifying celebration botch
17:07 , Will CastlePatson Daka produced one of the more dramatic moments of Afcon so far when he headed Zambia level in stoppage time to seal a 1-1 draw against Mali in their Group A opener.
The Leicester City striker, who has previously played in the Premier League, ran off with his teammates and attempted to do an acrobatic celebration.
However, his effort went badly wrong as he landed on his neck while attempting an acrobatic flip.
Luckily, he was able to get up largely unscathed and finish the match after his awkward landing.
Patson Daka landed on his neck trying to do a backflip celebration after scoring in stoppage time to secure a point for Zambia against Mali 😭
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 22, 2025
He stayed down for a couple moments and eventually got up to celebrate the huge moment 👏
AFCON is back! pic.twitter.com/lnFeHfv09x
All over in Tangier
17:03 , Will CastleSenegal have made an early statement in their bid to win a second Afcon title of their history, dominating Botswana to a 3-0 win.
Nicolas Jackson bagged two either side of half-time before Cherif Ndiaye put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute.
They go level on points with DR Congo in Group D, who beat Benin 1-0 earlier today. Those two will meet on Saturday in what will be a mini cup final to effectively decide who tops the group.
Afcon 2025's first two days in pictures
17:00 , Will Castle Nigeria's stacked attack
16:58 , Will CastleIf there’s one thing you can’t question about this Nigeria side, it’s their attacking firepower.
Victor Osimhen’s goalscoring exploits are undeniable, boasting 12 in 16 this season for Galatasaray after hitting 37 last season. The former Napoli man always has European giants circling but for now, it seems he’s happy to take his gargantuan weekly cheque in Turkey.
But with Osimhen comes Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League hero Ademola Lookman, Fulham’s electric duo Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, giant Sevilla striker Akor Adams as well as full-back pairing Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, both of whom like to go forward.
When Nigeria are playing, expect goals.
CONFIRMED NIGERIA TEAM NEWS!
16:48 , Will CastleLike London buses!
It’s a predictably forward-thinking Nigeria line-up that includes Galatasaray sharpshooter Victor Osimhen up top, accompanied by Akor Adams, with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in support.
Chukwueze’s Fulham teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey also start, while former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi captains the side.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi, Sanusi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams..
Here’s how we line up to face the Taifa Stars!#NGATAN #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/CUQLi35EdQ
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 23, 2025
CONFIRMED TANZANIA TEAM NEWS!
16:46 , Will CastleThere we go!
Tanzania are the first of the teams to reveal their line-up, with ex-Aston Villa striker Ally Samatta leading the line, supported among others by Rochdale winger Tarryn Allarakhia.
Tanzania XI: Foba; Kaponbe, Husseim, Hamad, Mwamnyeto; Miroshi, Mbula; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta.
Nyota wa @taifastars_ wanaoanza kwenye mchezo dhidi ya Nigeria fainali za TotalEnergies AFCON 2025
— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) December 23, 2025
@taifastars_ @nsc_bmt @caf_online @WizaraSanaa pic.twitter.com/UPOsa1L0Tq
Fez Stadium: The stage for today's clash
16:45 , Will Castle Still waiting on team news
16:42 , Will CastleWe’re less than hour away from kick-off but no official word on team news from either Nigeria or Tanzania just yet.
This isn’t uncommon for African football - the announcement deadline for team news isn’t as rigid as say the Premier League or Champions League.
The Super Eagles look in high spirits nevertheless.
Here’s how we made our way to Fes Stadium for the game 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/E8nI7bEvPr
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 23, 2025
Nigeria looking to put World Cup woes behind them
16:37 , Will CastleIt’s not been a pleasant few months for Nigerian football, whose recent times have been defined by their ultimately unsuccessful bid to save their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite scraping into the CAF play-offs in the qualifier before snatching a dramatic extra-time victory over Gabon in the semi-final, Nigeria succumbed to DR Congo on penalties, meaning they will go two successive World Cups without an appearance.
Their problem throughout qualifying was too often the failure to turn draws into wins, something that cost them top spot in their group and forced them down the perilous play-off route.
Afcon gives the Super Eagles a shot at restoring pride - will they take it?
Senegal double their lead
16:28 , Will CastleAfcon title hopefuls Senegal look to have already got the job done in Tangier as Nicolas Jackson produced a composed finish to double their lead and his own tally against Botswana, making it 2-0.
In fact, the Bayern Munich striker could’ve just notched his hat-trick as he beared down on goal, only to see his effort tipped around the post.
Team news coming up
16:20 , Will CastleWe should be expecting team news to be revealed in the next 10 or so minutes.
In the meantime, here’s Nigeria winger Chidera Ejuke’s message to Super Eagles fans as the players make their walk through Fes.
Team walk done ✔️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 23, 2025
Match Time 🔜#NGATAN #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/8NWINddZ6z
Nigeria vs Tanzania: Who are the ones to watch?
16:15 , Will CastleOn paper, this afternoon’s meeting in Fes is something of a mismatch.
Nigeria are without question the stronger team and go into the tournament as one of the title hopefuls, with their attacking firepower arguably the best in the competition.
Galatasaray marksman Victor Osimhen will lead from the front but will be supported by the likes of Atalanta star Ademola Lookman and dangerous Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, with his Whites teammates Alex Iwobi also providing a creative threat from deeper.
And while much of the Tanzania squad won’t be recognised by the average Premier League fan, there are a few names that have penetrated the English game.
Ally Samatta spent a few months at Aston Villa in 2020 and is currently at Ligue 1 club Le Havre. Meanwhile, in the lower leagues, pacey winger Tarryn Allarakhia currently plies his trade for National League leaders Rochdale, and Haji Mnoga has been at League Two side Salford City since August 2024.
State of play in Senegal vs Botswana
16:13 , Will CastleIn the precursor to this afternoon’s clash between Nigeria and Tanzania, Senegal currently lead Botswana 1-0 in Tangier.
Nicolas Jackson’s 40th-minute goal is currently proving the difference, with the game about five minutes into the second half.
Mohamed Salah resumes role as Egypt's eternal hero
16:00 , Will CastleCometh the hour, cometh the man.
Mohamed Salah snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner last night as Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their first fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Egypt captain, starting his first game after four successive matches on the bench at Liverpool, fired home a left-footed effort in the 91st minute to earn the seven-times champions a late victory after Zimbabwe had stunned them by going ahead in the first half.
Here’s a full rundown of the action:
Salah scores late winner as Egypt come from behind to beat Zimbabwe in Afcon opener
WATCH: Ayoub El Kaabi's astonishing bicycle kick in Afcon opener
15:45 , Will CastleIt just gets better and better every time you watch it. Ayoub El Kaabi getting Afcon off to a bang for hosts Morocco.
When acrobatics meet precision. ⚡
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
Ayoub El Kaabi delivers the Goal of the Day with a bicycle kick. ⚽🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/ubvfbMs0LE
Today's order of play
15:30 , Will CastleAfcon is into its third day of action with all eyes on who will strike the first blows in Group C and D.
The afternoon kicked off with Group D’s opener as DR Congo dispatched Benin 1-0 thanks to Spartak Moscow winger Theo Bongonda’s 16th-minute strike. The game included VAR controversy involving a disallowed goal for Real Betis veteran Cedric Bakambu, before the technology system went out of action for a period of the second half.
We’re now about half an hour into our second Group D game of the day, with title contenders Senegal taking on Botswana in Tangier.
Then it’s to Group C, with Nigeria looking to start their conquest of Africa in flying fashion against Tanzania from 5:30pm - we’ll bring you all the action from that one, right here.
And to finish off the evening, Group C’s second outing contends Tunisia and Uganda in Rabat, kicking off at 8pm.
Afcon results so far
15:15 , Will CastleSunday 21 December
Morocco 2-0 Comoros
Monday 22 December
Mali 1-1 Zambia
South Africa 2-1 Angola
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Tuesday 23 December
DR Congo 1-0 Benin
Nigeria v Tanzania predicted line-ups
15:00 , Jack RathbornPossible Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Sanusi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Possible Tanzania XI: Suleiman; Kaponbe, Mwamnyeto, D. Job, M. Husseini; N Miroshi, F Salum; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania for free on TV and online
14:45 , Will CastleThe Africa Cup of Nations is back and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4, including today’s clash between Nigeria and Tanzania.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game - with the Boxing Day fixture between Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and South Africa live on Channel 4’s main channel. The remainder of the group-stage games will be available to watch on E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Nigeria vs Tanzania live
14:30 , Will CastleNigeria face Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener looking to put World Cup 2026 qualifying heartbreak behind them.
The Super Eagles will hope to conquer Africa after going so close last time out in the 2-1 final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Despite surviving CAF qualifying and then snatching a dramatic extra-time victory over Gabon in the playoff semi-final, Nigeria succumbed to DR Congo on penalties, meaning two successive World Cups without an appearance.
Nigeria's 2-1 friendly loss to Egypt before the tournament has hit their momentum, but expectations will be high ahead of the opener against the Taifa Stars, with Wilfred Ndidi leading the Super Eagles and Victor Osimhen tasked with firing them to success up top.
Good afternoon
13:26 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania!
We’ll have all the build-up, team news and match action, right here.
