Nigeria vs Tanzania Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Nigeria have one of the very best teams on the African continent but the Super Eagles have significantly underperformed as they take on Tanzania in their opener.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Nigeria preview: Woeful Super Eagles
In CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria scraped into the African playoffs before then being beaten and denied qualification by losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties.
The Super Eagles have shown improvement under Eric Chelle, but they remain one of the biggest underperformers in international football after making the final of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024.
Tanzania preview: Average Tanzanians
Tanzania most recently suffered a 4-3 loss to Kuwait in their most recent outing in an international friendly last month, perhaps showing what their current overall level ahead of this competition.
Under the management of Hemed Morocco, the Taifa Stars, as they are nicknamed, are currently ranked 112th in the world. This is their fourth qualification in five AFCON tournaments, but they haven’t made it past the group stages in those previous three.
Nigeria team news: Goalkeeping dilemma
Maduka Okoye has been left out of the Nigeria squad and so Francis Uzoho is expected to be their number one. Key man Victor Osimhen has discussed that he is raring to go.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Awaziem, Bassey, Sanusi; Lookman, Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi, Chukwueze; Osimhen
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Tanzania team news: Samatta leading the line
Argentina coach Miguel Angel Gamondi has a few recognisable players in his 28-man squad, with the key man being captain and former Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Suleiman Ali; Msindo, Hamad, Job, Kibabage; Salum, Abraham; John, Mnoga, Msuva; Samatta
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction
Nigeria have a very strong side, with a lot of depth, particularly in the final third. Their show stoppers, though, do remain Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, with those two having shown signs of linking up well in recent performances together, let down by a lack of cohesion in getting the ball to them. They will be favourites to beat Tanzania but, like most games are expected to be at this tournament, it is likely a low-scoring affair.
Nigeria vs Tanzania tip: Nigeria to win & under 3.5 goals
