2025 AFCON: Super Eagles target victory against Taifa Stars

Three-time champions Super Eagles are poised to win the maximum points in Tuesday’s (tomorrow) first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations against Taifa Stars of Tanzania to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day. The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth […]

Three-time champions Super Eagles are poised to win the maximum points in Tuesday’s (tomorrow) first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations against Taifa Stars of Tanzania to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day.

The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four.

More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time.

Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.