The Super Eagles stepped up their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with their fourth training session at their base in Fes, Morocco, on Sunday, ahead of Tuesday’s Group C opener against Tanzania, according to The PUNCH.
Nigeria will face the Taifa Stars at the Complex Sportif de Fes in the first match of Group C. Since arriving in Morocco last Thursday, the team have intensified their build-up, holding two training sessions on Friday followed by further workouts on Saturday and Sunday.
Prior to their arrival in Morocco, the three-time African champions spent five days in camp in Egypt, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the hosts in a pre-tournament friendly.
Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making just their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously exited at the group stage in 1980, 2019 and 2023. The Taifa Stars are still searching for their first AFCON win, having drawn three and lost six of their nine matches in the competition.
Gamondi is expected to build his game plan around captain Mbwana Samatta of French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, as well as Simon Msuva, who currently plays in Iraq. Both players bring significant international experience. Other key figures include wing-back Mohammed Hussein of Young Africans and creative midfielder Feisal Salum of Azam FC, both of the Tanzania Premier League.
After their clash with Tanzania, Nigeria will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 before rounding off the group stage against Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
Runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria are aiming to secure a fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The 2025 AFCON got underway on Sunday with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros. Mali will face Zambia in the other Group A fixture on Monday, while attention will also turn to Group B, where seven-time champions Egypt open their campaign against Zimbabwe and South Africa face Angola.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has launched the “NAIJA 4 THE WIN” campaign as the Super Eagles return to continental action, underlining their determination to reclaim the AFCON title for the nation.
