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The Super Eagles came agonisingly close to continental glory in 2023, finishing runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast, and pressure is already building on new head coach Eric Chelle to deliver silverware.
Tanzania, meanwhile, arrive as heavy underdogs and are still searching for their first-ever AFCON victory. This makes this opening fixture a must win for Nigeria as they look to set the tone early in Group C.
Nigeria - Tanzania, Tuesday, 5:30 pm
Nigeria v Tanzania tips
• Nigeria to win - 2/5 with Bet365
• Victor Osimhen to have 3+ shots - 1/4 with Bet365
• Over 1.5 total goals - 33/100 with Bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Nigeria to win
Nigeria’s pedigree at AFCON group stage level makes them clear favourites to start with a victory. The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last six AFCON group matches (W5, D1), while Tanzania have failed to win any of their previous nine games at the tournament (D3, L6).
Head-to-head history also favours Nigeria, who are unbeaten in eight meetings with Tanzania (W5, D3), keeping clean sheets in the last four.
Tanzania’s recent form does little to inspire confidence either, having lost their last four matches and gone winless in seven overall (D2, L5). Against a side that reached the final two years ago, Nigeria should have too much quality and control.
Tip: Nigeria to win @ 2/5
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Nigeria beats Tanzania regardless of the score.
Victor Osimhen to have 3+ shots
Nigeria’s attacking approach is built around Victor Osimhen, and history suggests he will be heavily involved from the outset.
The Galatasaray striker finished as Nigeria’s top scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and remains the focal point of most attacking moves, with service consistently geared towards his physicality and movement in the box.
Tanzania have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight matches and have not scored in six of their last eight AFCON games, which should allow Nigeria to dominate territory and possession, leading to multiple shot attempts as Nigeria look to assert themselves early.
Tip: Victor Osimhen to have 3+ shots @ 1/4
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Victor Osimhen plays at least three shots against Tanzania
Over 1.5 total goals
While AFCON openers can sometimes be cagey, this fixture has the ingredients for at least a couple of goals.
Tanzania have conceded in each of their last six games, while Nigeria’s group-stage matches at AFCON tend to be controlled but effective as five of their last six group games ended without defeat.
With Nigeria’s attacking depth and Tanzania’s defensive frailties, clearing the 1.5-goal line looks a reasonable expectation.
Tip: Over 1.5 total goals @ 33/100
Bet explanation: This bet wins if there at least two goals in the Nigeria vs Tanzania game.
Nigeria v Tanzania odds
• Nigeria - 2/5 with Bet365
• Draw - 16/5 with Bet365
• Tanzania - 8/1 with Bet365
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.