Tanzania Minister Calls on Taifa Stars to Make History Ahead of AFCON 2025 Opener

Tanzania Minister Calls on Taifa Stars to Make History Ahead of AFCON 2025 Opener

By Admin 

Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has urged the Taifa Stars to rise to the occasion at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, challenging the team to rewrite history beginning with their opening Group C fixture against Nigeria.

The match is scheduled for December 23 at the Fez Stadium in Morocco and carries significant historical importance for Tanzania. It will mark only the second time the two nations meet in an AFCON group-stage encounter, 46 years after their first meeting at the tournament. That earlier clash, on March 8, 1980, ended in a 3–1 victory for Nigeria at the then Lagos National Stadium in Surulere.

Kabudi delivered his message during the official national flag handover ceremony in Cairo, calling on the players to approach the tournament with discipline, unity, and strong national pride.

“In the African Nations Championship, Tanzania reached the quarter-finals without losing a match. That achievement was historic for our country,” Kabudi said. “I urge you to fight hard and make history again at AFCON.”

Historically, Nigeria hold the advantage in the overall head-to-head record between the two teams. Across five meetings in all competitions, the Super Eagles have recorded three wins, with the remaining two matches ending in draws.

Tanzania’s Group C campaign also includes a first-ever AFCON group-stage meeting with East African rivals Uganda. The neighbouring nations have faced each other 22 times overall, with Uganda enjoying a clear edge after recording 13 victories to Tanzania’s five.

The Taifa Stars will conclude their group fixtures against Tunisia, a familiar opponent who narrowly defeated Tanzania 1–0 in their most recent encounter during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.

Kabudi further confirmed that the Tanzanian government will provide visible support for the team in Morocco. He revealed that Deputy Minister Paul Makonda, alongside other senior government officials, will travel with the squad to boost morale and demonstrate the nation’s backing as Tanzania seek a memorable AFCON 2025 campaign.