Tanzania coach hails players after gritty Nigeria test

Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi praised his team’s showing against Nigeria at AFCON 2025, saying their performance surprised many observers despite the tough result. The Group C clash was played this week in Morocco, where Tanzania held firm for long spells against one of the tournament favourites.

Nigeria controlled possession and created more chances, but Tanzania stayed compact and disciplined, limiting clear openings and pushing the Super Eagles to work hard for their goals. The display marked a step forward for a side making its return to the continental stage.

“I think the way my players performed against Nigeria surprised a lot of people,” Gamondi said after the match. “We showed organisation, courage and belief.” Nigeria coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the resistance, noting, “They were difficult to break down and stayed competitive throughout.” A CAF analyst added that Tanzania’s structure “made Nigeria think twice before committing numbers forward.”

The result leaves Tanzania with work to do in the group, but the performance has boosted confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures as they chase a first win at AFCON 2025.