Tanzania’s Sports Minister has called on the Taifa Stars to make history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they seek revenge against Nigeria, 46 years after their last group-stage meeting.

The two sides will clash on December 23 at the Fez Stadium in what will be only their second encounter in an AFCON group-stage fixture. Their previous meeting dates back to March 8, 1980, when Nigeria won 3-1 at the Lagos National Stadium in Surulere.

Speaking during the official national flag handover ceremony in Cairo, Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Professor Palamagamba Kabudi urged the players to fight with commitment, discipline and patriotism.

“In the Africa Nations Championship, Tanzania qualified for the quarter-finals unbeaten. That was historic and a record for our country. I urge you to fight hard and make history again at AFCON,” Kabudi said.

Tanzania and Nigeria have faced each other five times in all competitions, with Nigeria winning three matches, whilst the other two ended in draws.

Tanzania will also face regional rivals Uganda for the first time in an AFCON group stage. The two teams have played each other 22 times across all competitions, with Uganda holding the upper hand with 13 victories compared to Tanzania’s five wins.

The Taifa Stars will complete their Group C fixtures against Tunisia, who defeated them 1-0 in their most recent encounter during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.

The minister revealed that Deputy Minister Paul Makonda and other government officials will accompany the team in Morocco to boost morale and ensure they make the nation proud.