Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday.

The Taifa Stars will be seeking their first-ever AFCON victory when they face the three-time African champions in a Group C opener, as Tanzania continue their quest to make history at the continent’s flagship tournament.

Gamondi acknowledged the size of the task facing his team but insisted Tanzania are well prepared and ready to embrace the challenge posed by Nigeria.

The encounter will mark the first AFCON meeting between Tanzania and Nigeria since 1980, when the Super Eagles claimed a 3–1 victory on home soil en route to lifting their maiden continental title.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, the Argentine tactician expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness and enthusiasm.

“We are very well prepared and excited to be part of this AFCON,” Gamondi said.

“We are more than ready for tomorrow’s game. It will be a very difficult match, but it is a nice challenge for us.”

Nigeria head into the tournament as one of the favourites, having won the AFCON three times and finished runners-up at the last edition in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles boast a star-studded squad led by prolific striker Victor Osimhen.

Gamondi revealed that his team has devised a specific plan to contain Osimhen while also acknowledging the depth of attacking quality in the Nigerian squad.

“We have, for sure, a tactical plan to try to neutralise Victor Osimhen,” Gamondi said.

“But it’s not only him. You also have players like Chukwueze and Lookman. If you neutralise one, the other can still hurt you.”

The Tanzania coach underlined the need for realism in his approach, warning that even the smallest mistake could be punished by a team of Nigeria’s calibre.

“Our mentality is to try to play and attack as well,” he concluded.

“But we must be tactically disciplined. There cannot be any room for mistakes, because if you allow that, the quality in the Nigerian team can punish you.” (BusinessDay)

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