Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles, but warned that his side will be no pushovers when both sides clash on Tuesday, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria and Tanzania face-off in their opening group C clash at the 2025 African Cup of Nations at the Fez Stadium in Fes on Tuesday, with both teams eyeing winning start to the tournament.
The Taifa Stars head into their second consecutive appearance at the tournament and a fourth edition overall, hoping to progress beyond the group stages for the first time ever.
They faced Nigeria in their first AFCON tournament in 1980, but suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in their opening match and finishing their campaign with a single point.
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In their second appearance in 2019, Tanzania lost all three group games and suffered early elimination from the tournament.
The Taifa Stars improved in 2023 after securing two points from their three group games, but could not make it beyond the first round.
They face Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda in this edition, hoping to seal a long-awaited first victory in the African Cup of Nations.
Gamondi sends strong warning ahead of Nigeria clash
Miguel Gamondi will be eyeing a shock result for Tanzania in their opening group C clash against Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
In his prematch conference, the 59-year-old recognized the quality possessed by the Super Eagles, but is confident about his side’s chances in the clash.
“You don’t need to introduce the attacking force of Nigeria. When you see the quality of their players, you need to give more than 100 per cent. The smallest mistake against this kind of team can punish you”, Gamondi admitted.
“The key for us is the shape, the tactical discipline, the structure and the organisation. In games like this, there is no room for mistakes. We are not here only to defend.
Our mentality is not only to defend. We want to recover the ball and try to attack as well. We are coming here to compete with our guts”, the Tanzania coach added.
On Nigeria as favorites to win the 2025 AFCON tournament
“When you analyse Nigeria, you see where their players play and the level they are used to. They are among the best teams on the continent.”
I don’t believe Nigeria are mentally affected. Great players forget mistakes quickly.
I expect Nigeria to be very strong and motivated in this tournament”, he continued.
On his side’s chances at the tournament
“In football, anything is possible. Nobody can stop us from dreaming. If we avoid mistakes and give an extra effort, we can do something good”, the 59-year-old remarked.
“This is a very difficult group, with two of the five or six best teams in Africa. But we are not afraid. We are here to learn, improve and prove the value of the Tanzanian player.”
