The AFCON 2025 tournament will kick off tonight at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat as Morocco takes on Comoros, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria, the finalists in Ivory Coast last year, are set to do one better in North Africa this year, but their first task will be against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
The Super Eagles have been tipped to be one of the front-runners to win the tournament, and will want to get off to a right start against Miguel Gamondi’s side.
Ahead of the clash, Soccernet.ng highlights five Super Eagles stars that can make the difference when the game kicks off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.
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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles players to watch out for against Tanzania
1. Wilfred Ndidi
The Besiktas JK midfielder has been in the Nigerian National team for ten years, having made his debut in 2015.
His wealth of experience in the middle of the park will be crucial to the Super Eagles’ display at the AFCON 2025 tournament, considering he missed the previous edition in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong announced their retirements from the Nigerian National Team, and Ndidi, in his immaculate maturity, will be wielding the captain’s armband from here on in for the three-time African Champions.
With the weight of leadership on his shoulders, it’ll be interesting to see how the former Leicester City midfielder thrives in his new role when the game against Tanzania begins.
2. Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray’s goal cannon and Nigeria’s sublime press machine. The one-time CAF Player of the Year gives his all whenever he’s on the pitch for the Super Eagles. In his absence, however, the story is entirely different.
Without Osimhen’s goals, Eric Chelle’s side looks like a mediocre team, but when the ex-Napoli man turns up, it’s always a party with the Green and Whites.
There’s no better fixture to set the tone than the group opener against Tanzania, and Osimhen will be looking to make the stage his once again in Morocco.
3. Ademola Lookman
Although Lookman switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022, it was at the AFCON 2023 tournament that the Atalanta forward announced himself on the African continent.
The former Everton winger scored three goals in the tournament, joint top-scorer in the team at Ivory Coast with the now-retired William Troost-Ekong.
In the same year, Lookman lifted the UEFA Europa League with his club side, La Dea’s first-ever major tournament, and as such, he was the best player on the continent, while claiming 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
His performance in the Nigerian jersey hasn’t hit such heights since then. Given he got his mojo at the AFCON tournament last year, he’ll be looking to replicate such form again in Morocco, and there’ll be no better time to start than against Tanzania.
4. Calvin Bassey
The Fulham defender formed a strong bond with Semi Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong during the AFCON 2023 tournament.
With Ekong now out of the picture, the onus of the leadership and coordination of the Super Eagles’ back four falls on Bassey.
He’s shown his feistiness time and again, and that’ll be needed to be on display against the Taifa Stars.
5. Stanley Nwabali
Like Lookman, the Chippa United goalkeeper made a name for himself during the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Heading into Morocco, there have been questions about Nwabali’s injury status. His strength will be crucial for the Super Eagles. However, if he falters, Nigeria are in trouble, as other options are not as reliable.