Nigeria vs Tanzania Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
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by Erik Gibbs in AFCON Picks
Nigeria and Tanzania face each other in a Group C opener on Tuesday, with the two sides arriving on contrasting recent trajectories. Nigeria come into the match after a 2-1 loss to Egypt in a pre-AFCON friendly played on December 16, a result that exposed some ongoing issues despite moments of attacking promise.
That defeat followed a disappointing end to Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign, where they reached the CAF playoffs but were eliminated on penalties by DR Congo, missing out on the 2026 finals. This setback came after Nigeria's run to the AFCON final earlier in 2024, a tournament in which they showed resilience but ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy.
Overall, Nigeria's recent results paint a picture of a team capable of competing at the highest level but struggling to consistently turn performances into victories. Tanzania's recent results have been less encouraging. Their most recent match ended in a 4-3 defeat to Kuwait in a friendly, a game that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities despite some attacking positives.
Tanzania did enough in qualification to secure a place at AFCON 2025, continuing a trend that has seen them reach several recent tournaments, though they have never advanced beyond the group stage. Historically, this fixture heavily favors Nigeria, who have never lost to Tanzania in competitive meetings, recording multiple wins and draws dating back several decades.
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Nigeria vs Tanzania Form
Nigeria and Tanzania Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 6, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 19, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Mar 25, 2025 - World Cup
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 12, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 5, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Jun 6, 2025 - International Friendlies
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 22, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 16, 2025 - African Nations Championship
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 22, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 9, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 2, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Jun 7, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 16, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 6, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Jun 11, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Jun 6, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nigeria - Tanzania: Form Analysis
Nigeria's current team form reflects a side still searching for rhythm under head coach Eric Sékou Chelle. The Super Eagles possess immense talent, but their performances have fluctuated, with strong spells often undermined by lapses in concentration or inefficiency in front of goal. In recent matches, Nigeria have shown they can dominate possession and territory, yet the connection between midfield and attack has not always been smooth. Defensively, they have been relatively solid but prone to isolated errors, as seen in their recent friendly loss.
Tanzania, by contrast, enter the tournament as clear underdogs and have shaped their identity around defensive organization and discipline. Ranked well outside the continent's elite, they typically adopt a compact setup designed to frustrate opponents and limit space. This approach has helped them remain competitive in past tournaments, even if results have not always followed. However, recent matches suggest Tanzania can struggle when games become open, particularly against teams that move the ball quickly and attack with pace.
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Nigeria & Tanzania Squad Analysis
Nigeria's squad features several players arriving in strong individual form. Victor Osimhen remains the focal point of the attack and comes into the tournament with confidence following consistent club performances. He has developed an effective understanding with Ademola Lookman, whose creativity and finishing ability add a different dimension to Nigeria's forward line. Midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi provide experience and balance, combining ball progression with defensive stability.
Goalkeeper selection has been a notable talking point, with Francis Uzoho expected to start following changes in the squad. Nigeria have also introduced several uncapped players, reflecting a desire to refresh the squad while maintaining depth. Defensively, injuries have forced adjustments, but replacements with European experience have been integrated.
Tanzania's biggest boost is the return of captain Mbwana Samatta, whose experience and leadership are central to their hopes. Samatta's recent club form has been encouraging, and he will be supported by experienced attackers such as Simon Msuva. The squad also includes a strong domestic core alongside a handful of Europe-based players, giving Tanzania a mix of familiarity and external experience. Importantly, they arrive without major injury concerns, allowing them to field a settled lineup.
Nigeria - Tanzania Key Points
- The Over is 1-3-1 in Nigeria's last 5 games
- The Over is 3-2 in Tanzania's last 5 games
- Nigeria are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
- Tanzania are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
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Our Nigeria vs Tanzania Prediction
Nigeria's strengths lie in their attacking depth, athleticism, and ability to create chances through multiple avenues. Their pace on the wings, combined with Osimhen's movement and finishing, poses a constant threat. Set pieces are another area where Nigeria can capitalize due to their physical presence.
Tanzania's strengths are rooted in teamwork, defensive discipline, and resilience. They are comfortable playing without the ball and will look to exploit counterattacks or set pieces when opportunities arise. However, their weaknesses include limited attacking variety and difficulty sustaining pressure against top-level opponents.
Given Nigeria's superior quality, depth, and tournament experience, they enter the match with a clear edge. Tanzania may keep the contest close through organization and effort, but over 90 minutes Nigeria's firepower is likely to prove decisive. Our prediction for Nigeria vs Tanzania: Over 2.5 goals.
Nigeria vs Tanzania - Other Interesting Picks
Ademola Lookman to have over 0.5 assists
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
