Predicted Super Eagles XI for AFCON Opener Against Tanzania
Nigeria will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday at Fez Stadium, looking to make amends for missing out on the 2026 World Cup and last edition’s 2–1 final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Coach Eric Chelle is expected to line up the Super 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 finishing as runners-up at the previous AFCON, Nigeria are determined to go one step further this time. The team’s recent campaign in World Cup qualifiers saw them briefly hope for a second chance, with a strong finish in Group C and an extra-time playoff win over Gabon. However, 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.
Despite a 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt last week, the Super Eagles remain strong favourites against Tanzania, ranked 74 places below them on the FIFA ladder. Last edition’s experience, where Nigeria drew 1–1 in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea before reaching the final, shows that caution is still needed.
With Europe-based stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, Nigeria will be expected to start the tournament with a positive result and aim for their first continental title since 2013.
Tanzania Preview
Tanzania arrive with far less pressure, focusing more on the 2027 tournament, which they will co-host with Uganda and Kenya. The Taifa Stars have struggled in previous AFCON editions, exiting at the group stage in all four of their appearances, including the last edition where they finished bottom of their group with just two points.
Confidence is low, with Miguel Gamondi’s side winless in their last seven matches across all competitions, including five defeats. Tanzania have scored in only two of those seven games, and they have failed to beat Nigeria in their last three meetings, suffering losses in three of the previous five encounters.
Nigeria are therefore expected to control the game, though history suggests that early-career caution and focus will be important for the Super Eagles to avoid surprises.
Kick-off: Tuesday, Fez Stadium.
