Nigeria open AFCON against Tanzania on December 23

Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, will begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on 23 December with a Group C match against Tanzania in Fes, as head coach Eric Chelle included Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams in his 28-man squad for the tournament in Morocco, which kicks off on 21 December.

The Nigerian squad was officially confirmed ahead of the AFCON finals, with two Sevilla players making the list. Ejuke and Adams were selected as part of Chelle’s plans to strengthen Nigeria’s attacking options for a competition the country has won three times — in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania will be played at 18:30, before the Super Eagles face Tunisia on 27 December at 21:00. Their final group encounter comes on 30 December at 17:00 against Uganda, a fixture that could prove decisive in the race for the knockout stage.

Speaking about his selection, head coach Eric Chelle underlined the balance in his squad. “We wanted players who can adapt quickly and bring intensity from the first match. Ejuke and Adams give us pace, creativity and goal threat,” Chelle said in comments published by the Nigerian Football Federation.

Chidera Ejuke also reacted to his inclusion, stressing the importance of a strong start. “Playing for Nigeria at AFCON is always special. The first game sets the tone, and we are fully focused on Tanzania,” the winger told local media.

Before the tournament begins, Nigeria will play a friendly match against Egypt on 16 December, which will serve as final preparation. “This match will help us test our readiness and correct small details before AFCON,” Chelle added.As a result, Ejuke and Akor Adams are expected to travel to Morocco after Sevilla’s match against Real Oviedo on Sunday, joining the rest of the squad ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture.