The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C is set to kick off with a highly anticipated opening match between the Nigerian Super Eagles and the Tanzanian Taifa Stars in Morocco. Nigeria, three-time African champions, are widely considered favorites to top a group that also includes Tunisia and Uganda. However, former Nigerian international Ogenyi Onazi has issued a stern warning, cautioning the Super Eagles to anticipate a formidable challenge from Tanzania. Speaking to Footy Africa, the former Lazio midfielder emphasized the need for thorough preparation, drawing parallels to Comoros' resolute performance against Morocco in their opening game. Onazi stressed that head coach Eric Chelle must demand total commitment, advising players to give "more than 100 percent" to counter Tanzania's likely tactics of frustration and counter-attacks. He underscored the critical importance of securing three points in the opening match to build confidence for subsequent games, particularly against Tunisia, whom he considers Nigeria's main threat in the group.

Despite Nigeria being ranked 32nd globally by FIFA compared to Tanzania's 131st, many pundits view this clash as a classic "David versus Goliath" encounter. However, Taifa Stars Coach Miguel Gamondi and his star player, Faisal Salum, are confident their side will deliver a rude shock if underrated. Ahead of the 6:00 p.m. kick-off at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, Gamondi acknowledged the Super Eagles' attacking quality, asserting that Tanzania must deliver a near-perfect performance to stand a chance against the 2013 AFCON champions. He insisted that the Taifa Stars would not approach the game with fear, instead focusing on their organization, belief, and tactical discipline. Gamondi stated, "The key for us is the shape, the tactical discipline, the structure and the organisation. In games like this, there is no room for mistakes. We are not here only to defend... We want to recover the ball and try to attack as well. We are coming here to compete with our guts."

Faisal Salum echoed his coach's confidence, stating that the Taifa Stars would build upon their positive experience from the CHAN tournament, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Morocco. Salum, a standout performer in that tournament, believes the team has cultivated incredible belief and a strong fighting spirit. A majority of Tanzania's squad comprises locally based players, fostering strong cohesiveness and understanding. Their preparation included a training camp in Egypt with friendly matches to boost readiness. Salum noted that the team has learned valuable lessons, especially from past AFCON experiences like that of Cote d’Ivoire, emphasizing the need for 100 percent effort, minimal mistakes, and the highest standards of discipline. With a strong playing unit and an experienced coach in Gamondi, Salum expressed confidence that they could achieve their minimum target of reaching the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has declared himself fully fit and ready to lead Nigeria's quest for a fourth continental title. The Galatasaray forward, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, likened the AFCON tournament to "war," stating, "We will give everything, and we’re not underestimating anyone." He expressed strong belief in the squad and coaching staff, acknowledging that the journey would not be easy but remaining positive about their chances to end a 12-year wait for the trophy.

The match at the Fès Stadium also rekindles a rivalry dating back 46 years, marking only the second time Nigeria and Tanzania will meet in an AFCON group-stage encounter. Their previous meeting at this stage was on March 8, 1980, in Lagos, where Nigeria secured a 3-1 victory. This defeat remains a painful memory for Tanzania, making this encounter an opportunity for the Taifa Stars to seek retribution. Historically, Nigeria holds a commanding record against Tanzania, remaining unbeaten in seven previous matches with four wins and three draws. Tanzania is yet to secure a victory over the African heavyweights. This marks Tanzania's fourth AFCON appearance and their first time reaching successive finals, having previously participated in 1980 and 2019. Despite playing 10 AFCON matches without a win, they showed resilience in 2023 with two consecutive unbeaten games, including a 0-0 draw with DR Congo. The Super Eagles, in contrast, boast a rich AFCON pedigree, with three titles and 104 matches played in the competition's history.