Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has challenged the Taifa Stars to seize the moment and carve their names into history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), starting with a high-stakes clash against Nigeria.
The Group C encounter is scheduled for December 23 at the Fez Stadium in Morocco and carries added weight for Tanzania. It will be only the second time the two nations meet in an AFCON group-stage fixture, coming 46 years after their first showdown. That earlier meeting, played on March 8, 1980, ended in a 3-1 victory for Nigeria at the then Lagos National Stadium in Surulere.
Kabudi delivered his message during the official national flag handover ceremony in Cairo, where he called on the players to approach the tournament with discipline, unity and a deep sense of national pride.
“In the Africa Nations Championship, Tanzania qualified for the quarter-finals unbeaten. That was historic and a record for our country. I urge you to fight hard and make history again at AFCON,” Kabudi said.
Overall, Tanzania and Nigeria have faced each other five times across all competitions. Nigeria have claimed three wins, while the remaining two meetings ended in draws.
Beyond Nigeria, Tanzania’s group campaign will also bring a fresh chapter in East African rivalry. They are set to meet Uganda in an AFCON group stage for the first time. The neighbours have played 22 times in total, with Uganda holding the advantage after 13 wins compared to Tanzania’s five.
Tanzania will wrap up their Group C fixtures against Tunisia, a familiar opponent who edged them 1-0 in their most recent meeting during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
Kabudi also confirmed that the government will be visibly backing the team on the ground in Morocco. He revealed that Deputy Minister Paul Makonda, alongside other senior officials, will travel with the squad to boost morale and ensure the players feel the full support of the nation as they chase a landmark campaign.
