The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will be unlike any other played during Christmas and New Year for the first time. While fans prepare for festive football, the Super Eagles are preparing for business. 

Nigeria has been placed in Group C, a tricky group featuring Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. Each team brings a different style, strength and storyline, meaning the Eagles cannot afford to take anyone lightly.

Nigeria

Nigeria heads into the tournament as the favourites in the group. With strong qualifying results and forwards like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the scoring, the team has shown consistency. 

Coach Eric Chelle is still shaping the squad’s identity, but Nigeria’s strength remains the same, attacking quality, speed, and physical dominance.

What to expect:
Nigeria will look to control games, score early and use their experience. Anything short of topping the group will be seen as a failure.

Tunisia

Tunisia remains the biggest threat to Nigeria in Group C. Ranked just behind the Super Eagles in Africa, the Carthage Eagles are known for structure, discipline and the ability to frustrate opponents. 

They didn’t have the strongest qualifying run, but they still showed resilience with tight wins and low-scoring matches.

With players like Ferjani Sassi and coach Sami Trabelsi bringing stability, Tunisia will not fear Nigeria. Both countries also have a long history of intense AFCON clashes, some decided through extra time and penalty shootouts.

What to expect:
A tough, tactical battle. Tunisia love keeping games compact and forcing mistakes. Nigeria must stay sharp and avoid giving away easy chances.

Tanzania

On paper, Tanzania look like the easiest opponent, but ignoring them would be dangerous. This team has improved over the last few years and even picked up important wins in their qualifiers, including victories over Guinea and Ethiopia.

With forwards like Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta, the Taifa Stars can punish teams on the counter. They may not have the experience of Nigeria or Tunisia, but they make up for it with energy and determination.

What to expect:
A defensive team waiting for counter-attacking moments. Nigeria will need to break them down quickly to avoid a frustrating draw.

Uganda

Uganda’s Cranes play with intensity and physical strength. They had a solid qualifying journey, collecting wins home and away against Congo and South Sudan. Under Belgian coach Paul Put, Uganda now combine structure with quick transitions.

Their history in AFCON is mixed, but they are known for surprising bigger teams. With Denis Omedi scoring crucial goals and Khalid Aucho anchoring the midfield, Uganda won’t show fear on the big stage.

What to expect:
A stubborn, hard-working team that presses well and keeps games tight. Nigeria must match their physicality and avoid conceding early.

What you should note

Group C is not the “easy group” some fans assume it to be. Tunisia bring experience, Uganda bring intensity, and Tanzania bring hunger. Every match will test Nigeria differently.

But if the Super Eagles stay organised, take their chances and stay focused, they have everything needed to top the group and make a strong push toward the knockout rounds.

The tournament starts on December 21. Nigeria begins their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania. Nigerians should expect exciting football, tough battles and a group stage that will demand the best from the Super Eagles.