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The Super Eagles held their fourth training session at their base in Fes, Morocco, on Sunday, ahead of their Group C clash against Tanzania in the 2025 AFCON on Tuesday, The PUNCH reports.
Nigeria and Tanzania will face off at the Complex Sportif de Fes, in the first match of Group C on Tuesday.
Following their arrival in Morocco last Thursday, the team began to put finishing touches to their preparation with two training sessions on Friday before more sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
Before arriving in Morocco, the three-time African champions held a five-day camp in Egypt, where they also lost 2-1 in a pre-tournament friendly against the hosts.
The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters.
Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither.
There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC).
After Tuesday’s group opener, Nigeria will take on Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
Runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria will be targeting a fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The 2025 AFCON kicked off on Sunday with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros.
The other group A game will be played on Monday between Mali and Zambia, while attention will also shift to Group B where seven-time champions, Egypt, will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe. South Africa and Angola will trade tackles in the second Group B game.
Meanwhile, the NFF has announced the launch of the NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign as the Super Eagles return to continental action for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, reaffirming their commitment to reclaiming the prestigious title for the nation. (PUNCH)
