Nigeria will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations marketing campaign towards Tanzania on Tuesday at Fez Stadium, seeking to make amends for lacking out on the 2026 World Cup and final version’s 2–1 last defeat to Ivory Coast.
Coach Eric Chelle is predicted to line up the Tremendous Eagles in a 4-4-2 formation as follows:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi
Midfielders: Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams
Match Preview
After ending as runners-up on the earlier AFCON, Nigeria are decided to go one step additional this time. The workforce’s current marketing campaign in World Cup qualifiers noticed them briefly hope for a second probability, with a powerful end in Group C and an extra-time playoff win over Gabon. Nonetheless, a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo ended their dream of reaching the Mundial, marking the second consecutive World Cup Nigeria will miss since their 1994 debut.
Regardless of a 2–1 pleasant defeat to Egypt final week, the Tremendous Eagles stay sturdy favourites towards Tanzania, ranked 74 locations under them on the FIFA ladder. Final version’s expertise, the place Nigeria drew 1–1 of their opening match towards Equatorial Guinea earlier than reaching the ultimate, reveals that warning remains to be wanted.
With Europe-based stars corresponding to Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, Nigeria might be anticipated to start out the match with a optimistic end result and goal for his or her first continental title since 2013.
Tanzania Preview
Tanzania arrive with far much less strain, focusing extra on the 2027 match, which they may co-host with Uganda and Kenya. The Taifa Stars have struggled in earlier AFCON editions, exiting on the group stage in all 4 of their appearances, together with the final version the place they completed backside of their group with simply two factors.
Confidence is low, with Miguel Gamondi’s facet winless of their final seven matches throughout all competitions, together with 5 defeats. Tanzania have scored in solely two of these seven video games, they usually have did not beat Nigeria of their final three conferences, struggling losses in three of the earlier 5 encounters.
Nigeria are due to this fact anticipated to regulate the sport, although historical past means that early-career warning and focus might be essential for the Tremendous Eagles to keep away from surprises.
Kick-off: Tuesday, Fez Stadium.
