Nigeria kick off their hunt for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Tanzania in a Group C encounter in Fez, Morocco, a fixture that opens yet another chapter in the rich AFCON history of the Super Eagles.
This tournament marks Nigeria’s 20th appearance at the continental showpiece, a competition they have conquered three times before — in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Across decades, AFCON has served as a grand stage for Nigerian football to flourish, producing iconic figures including Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, Jay Jay Okocha, Stephen Keshi, George Finidi, John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama and Sunday Oliseh among others.
Nigeria’s AFCON journey began in 1963 at a tournament hosted by neighbours Ghana. It was a harsh introduction, as the Super Eagles finished bottom of a group that included Sudan and Egypt.
The early years were turbulent, and at one point Nigeria missed five consecutive tournaments, failing to qualify for three of them.
When they finally returned, they did so with authority. Back-to-back third-place finishes in 1976 and 1978 signalled a rising force, and in 1980, playing on home soil, Nigeria announced themselves as champions of Africa.
They emerged from a tough group featuring Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tanzania, defeated Morocco in the semi-finals, and then swept aside Algeria 3-0 in a memorable final in Lagos to claim their maiden title.
Success, however, did not come easily thereafter. Nigeria reached three finals in six editions but fell at the final hurdle each time — losing to Cameroon in 1984 and 1988, and to hosts Algeria in 1990.
Redemption arrived in 1994 in Tunisia, where the Super Eagles put together a commanding run. Victories over Zaire in the quarter-finals and Ivory Coast in the semis set up a final against Zambia. Emmanuel Amunike struck once in each half to secure a 2-1 win and Nigeria’s second AFCON crown.
Nearly two decades passed before glory returned. After several near-misses — and even a ban in 1998 following their withdrawal from the 1996 tournament — Nigeria finally lifted the trophy again in 2013.
In South Africa, they edged Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium to seal their third title.
Since then, Nigeria have often promised much but delivered little, despite an abundance of talent. That narrative briefly shifted at the last edition in Ivory Coast, where the Super Eagles reached the final only to lose to the host nation.
Now, in Morocco, belief is growing once more that a fourth AFCON title is within reach — a triumph that would offer consolation after the disappointment of failing to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Under the guidance of Malian coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria arrive with renewed ambition and firepower.
Leading the charge is Galatasaray striker and 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen. He is supported by a dynamic cast that includes Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey, Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
Favourites to top Group C, the Super Eagles know that setting the right tone is crucial. A convincing start against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania would not only boost confidence but also send a clear message to the rest of other sides in the group.
AFCON 2025 Nigeria squad
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd), Amas Obasogie(Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho(Omonia)
- Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
- Midfield: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
- Forwards: Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961).