Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi says a victory over Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would carry the emotional weight of lifting the trophy itself, as the Taifa Stars continue their long search for a first-ever win at the continental finals.

Tanzania open their Group C campaign against the Super Eagles on Tuesday in Morocco, hoping to finally break a streak that has followed them through every AFCON appearance. According to tournament records, the East Africans have played nine matches across three editions of the competition without recording a single victory.

The meeting in Fès will mark Tanzania’s 10th AFCON game, and Gamondi believes the moment could be right for history. Speaking ahead of the match, the Argentine coach acknowledged Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights, but stressed that belief remains central to his team’s approach.

“It’s our dream, and nobody can stop us from believing,” Gamondi said at his pre-match press conference. “If you do not have a dream, it does not make sense to sleep too much. I respect Nigeria a lot, but football always leaves room for surprises. We are here to put in a strong performance.”

The encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès will be only the second time Nigeria and Tanzania have faced each other at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their first meeting came 45 years ago at the 1980 tournament, which Nigeria hosted. On that occasion, the Super Eagles ran out 3-1 winners in the opening match of the competition.

The two sides are more familiar with each other from recent AFCON qualifying campaigns. During qualification for the 2017 tournament, Tanzania held Nigeria to a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam before losing the return leg 1-0 in Uyo on September 3, 2016.

Gamondi did not shy away from the reality of Nigeria’s stronger pedigree and deeper tournament experience. Still, he made it clear that Tanzania are not arriving in Morocco simply to make up the numbers.

“I am very realistic about the possibilities,” he said. “Maybe Nigeria have 99 percent in terms of expectations, but you never know. If we do what we need to do and manage to win, beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us, especially at the start of the tournament.”

Tanzania’s difficult history at the Africa Cup of Nations dates back to their debut in 1980, also on Nigerian soil. They lost all three group matches at that tournament, starting with the defeat to the Super Eagles before falling to Egypt and Ivory Coast.

Their next appearance came in 2019, when former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke guided them back to the finals after a 39-year absence. Once again, however, the Taifa Stars exited at the group stage after defeats to Senegal, Kenya and Algeria.

Signs of progress emerged at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. After losing their opener to Morocco, Tanzania earned draws against Zambia and DR Congo, offering encouragement that a breakthrough result might not be far away.

Following Tuesday’s clash with Nigeria, Tanzania will face Uganda on Friday before wrapping up their Group C fixtures against Tunisia next Tuesday. For Gamondi and his players, the opening match represents more than just three points. It is another chance to rewrite a long-standing narrative at Africa’s biggest football stage.