Nigeria and Tanzania will meet for the ninth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The fixture has historically favored Nigeria, with Tanzania still seeking their first victory in the series. The rivalry spans over four decades and includes encounters in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and continental qualifying campaigns.
1980 Africa Cup of Nations – Group Stage (8 March 1980)
- **Venue:** National Stadium, Lagos - **Result:** Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania - **Goals:** - Nigeria: Segun Odegbami (2), Muda Lawal - Tanzania: Mohamed Kajole
Tanzania made their AFCON debut against the host nation, Nigeria, in the tournament’s opening match. Nigeria, led by captain Christian Chukwu and striker Segun Odegbami, secured a comfortable win en route to claiming their first continental title.
1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
First Leg – 6 December 1980 (Lagos): Nigeria 1–1 Tanzania
- Goals: Muda Lawal (Nigeria), Mohamed Salim (Tanzania)
Tanzania earned a surprise draw in Lagos, showcasing defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat.
Second Leg – 20 December 1980 (Dar es Salaam): Nigeria 2–0 Tanzania
- Goals: Felix Owolabi, Henry Nwosu
Nigeria advanced to the next round with a composed away performance, eliminating Tanzania from World Cup contention.
2017 AFCON Qualifiers
First Leg – 5 September 2015 (Dar es Salaam): Tanzania 0–0 Nigeria
A cagey affair saw both teams struggle to create clear chances. Tanzania earned a valuable point at home.
Second Leg – 3 September 2016 (Uyo): Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania
- Goal: Kelechi Iheanacho (78')
Nigeria secured a narrow win thanks to a long-range strike from Iheanacho. Despite the victory, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2017 AFCON.
Tunisia and Uganda will meet for the sixth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Tunisia has won all five previous encounters, outscoring Uganda 16–1. The fixture has featured matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), AFCON qualifiers, and international friendlies. Tunisia has consistently dominated the rivalry, while Uganda has struggled to break through despite occasional flashes of promise.
1962 Africa Cup of Nations – Third Place Match - **Venue:** Addis Ababa Stadium, Ethiopia - **Result:** Tunisia 3–0 Uganda - **Goals:**
Tunisia employed a fluid 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing wing play and quick transitions. Mohamed Jedidi’s early goal came from a sweeping move down the right flank. Uganda struggled to contain Tunisia’s midfield trio, particularly Rachid Meddeb, who dictated tempo and scored the third goal. Uganda’s 3-5-2 setup lacked width and was vulnerable to Tunisia’s overlapping fullbacks.
1978 Africa Cup of Nations – Group Stage - **Venue:** Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana - **Result:** Tunisia 3–1 Uganda - **Goals:**
Tunisia’s midfield, led by Tarek Dhiab, controlled possession with short passing and positional rotations. Uganda’s goal by Phillip Omondi came from a counterattack, showcasing his individual brilliance. Tunisia’s defensive shape in a 4-2-3-1 allowed them to absorb pressure and strike clinically. Despite the loss, Uganda advanced to the semifinals and eventually finished as runners-up, while Tunisia was eliminated in the group stage.
2000 AFCON QualifiersFirst Leg – 28 February 1999 (Tunis): Tunisia 6–0 Uganda
Tunisia overwhelmed Uganda with high pressing and rapid ball circulation. Adel Sellimi and Faouzi Rouissi exploited gaps in Uganda’s backline, while Hassen Gabsi added creativity from midfield. Uganda’s defensive line was repeatedly breached due to poor spacing and a lack of coordination.
Second Leg – 10 April 1999 (Kampala): Tunisia 2–0 Uganda
Tunisia played a more conservative 4-4-2, focusing on game management. Uganda improved defensively but failed to create meaningful chances. Tunisia’s goals came from set pieces and wide deliveries.
2017 International Friendly - **Venue:** Tunis, Tunisia - **Result:** Tunisia 2–0 Uganda - **Goals:** Hamza Lahmar, Mohamed Ben Amor
Tunisia used the match as a warm-up for the 2017 AFCON, deploying a possession-heavy 4-3-3. Lahmar’s goal came from a well-worked corner routine, while Ben Amor finished a flowing move through midfield. Uganda showed defensive discipline but lacked attacking cohesion.
Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 times in international competition, with their 22nd meeting scheduled during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This fixture is one of the most enduring and competitive rivalries in African football, featuring two of the continent’s most successful national teams. Their encounters span the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), FIFA World Cup qualifiers, African Nations Championship (CHAN), and friendly matches.
Nigeria and Tunisia have met six times in the AFCON tournament proper:
1962 AFCON – Third Place Match
Date: 21 January 1962
Venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Result: Nigeria 4–1 Tunisia
Nigeria claimed third place in their AFCON debut with a commanding win over Tunisia.
1978 AFCON – Group Stage
Date: 16 March 1978
Venue: Accra, Ghana
Result: Nigeria 1–1 Tunisia
A balanced draw in a tightly contested group. Nigeria advanced to the semifinals; Tunisia did not.
2004 AFCON – Semifinal
Date: 11 February 2004
Venue: Stade Olympique de Radès, Tunisia
Result: Tunisia 1–1 Nigeria (Tunisia won 5–3 on penalties)
Tunisia edged Nigeria in a dramatic shootout en route to winning their first AFCON title. Nigeria’s Peter Odemwingie missed the opening penalty, while Tunisia converted all five spot-kicks, with Karim Haggui scoring the decisive fifth
2006 AFCON – Quarterfinal
Date: 4 February 2006
Venue: Port Said, Egypt
Result: Nigeria 1–1 Tunisia (Nigeria won 6–5 on penalties)
Nigeria avenged their 2004 loss with a shootout win, advancing to the semifinals. The teams combined for 16 attempts, with Nwankwo Kanu putting Nigeria ahead on the team's eighth attempt. Riadh Bouazizi missed the ensuing attempt, as Nigeria would finish third in the tournament.
2019 AFCON – Third Place Match
Date: 17 July 2019
Venue: Cairo, Egypt
Result: Nigeria 1–0 Tunisia
Goal: Odion Ighalo (3')
Nigeria secured third place with an early goal, with Ighalo scoring his fifth goal of the tournament, as the forward, playing then for Shanghai Shenhua, led the tournament in goals scored. Despite winning only one match in regulation, their quarterfinal against debutantes Madagascar, Tunisia reached the 2019 AFCON semi-finals and claimed fourth place, punctuated by a dramatic penalty shootout victory over group winners Ghana in the Round of 16.
2021 AFCON – Round of 16
Date: 23 January 2022
Venue: Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua, Cameroon
Result: Tunisia 1–0 Nigeria
Goal: Youssef Msakni (47')
Despite finishing third in Group F, Tunisia pulled off a surprise victory over Nigeria despite missing several key players due to COVID-19 protocols. Among those affected was captain Youssef Msakni, who had tested positive before the tournament began. Tunisia was unable to replace him in the squad due to CAF’s substitution rules, but Msakni recovered in time to start the match and scored the decisive goal with a long-range strike early in the second half. Nigeria, which had won all three group matches, struggled to break down Tunisia’s disciplined defense and was eliminated from the tournament. The result was one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage.
1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Second Round
First Leg (29 June 1980, Tunis): Tunisia 2–0 Nigeria
Second Leg (12 July 1980, Lagos): Nigeria 2–0 Tunisia
Aggregate: 2–2; Nigeria advanced on penalties
Nigeria progressed to the next round after a tense shootout, eventually falling short of World Cup qualification.
2010 FIFA World Cup and AFCON Qualifiers – Group Stage Nigeria and Tunisia were drawn together in Group B of the final round of CAF qualification, which also served as qualifiers for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
First Leg (20 June 2009, Abuja): Nigeria 0–0 Tunisia
Second Leg (6 September 2009, Tunis): Tunisia 2–2 Nigeria
Nigeria finished one point ahead of Tunisia in the group. On the final matchday, Tunisia lost 1–0 in Mozambique, while Nigeria defeated Kenya 3–2 in Nairobi. Obafemi Martins scored the decisive goal to break a 2–2 deadlock, sending Nigeria to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as group winners. Both teams qualified for the 2010 AFCON.
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
2016 CHAN – Group Stage
Date: 22 January 2016
Venue: Kigali, Rwanda
Result: Tunisia 1–1 Nigeria
Goals:
- Tunisia: Ahmed Akaïchi - Nigeria: Chisom Chikatara
The draw kept both teams in contention. Ahmed Akaïchi went on to score again in Tunisia’s next match—a 5–0 win over Niger. Tunisia topped Group C on goal difference over Guinea, who defeated Nigeria 1–0 in the final group match, eliminating the Super Eagles.
FIFA World Cup and AFCON qualifiers
1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Second Round
First Leg (29 June 1980, Tunis): Tunisia 2–0 Nigeria
Second Leg (12 July 1980, Lagos): Nigeria 2–0 Tunisia
Aggregate: 2–2; Nigeria advanced on penalties
Nigeria progressed to the next round after a tense shootout, eventually falling short of World Cup qualification.
2010 FIFA World Cup and AFCON Qualifiers – Group Stage
Nigeria and Tunisia were drawn together in Group B of the final round of CAF qualification, which also served as qualifiers for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
First Leg (20 June 2009, Abuja): Nigeria 0–0 Tunisia
Second Leg (6 September 2009, Tunis): Tunisia 2–2 Nigeria
Nigeria finished one point ahead of Tunisia in the group. On the final matchday, Tunisia lost 1–0 in Mozambique, while Nigeria defeated Kenya 3–2 in Nairobi. Obafemi Martins scored the decisive goal to break a 2–2 deadlock, sending Nigeria to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as group winners. Both teams qualified for the 2010 AFCON.
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
2016 CHAN – Group Stage
Date: 22 January 2016
Venue: Kigali, Rwanda
Result: Tunisia 1–1 Nigeria
Goals:
- Tunisia: Ahmed Akaïchi - Nigeria: Chisom Chikatara
The draw kept both teams in contention. Ahmed Akaïchi went on to score again in Tunisia’s next match—a 5–0 win over Niger. Tunisia topped Group C on goal difference over Guinea, who defeated Nigeria 1–0 in the final group match, eliminating the Super Eagles.
Key players in the rivalry
Nigeria
- Segun Odegbami – Star of the 1980s, led Nigeria to their first AFCON title. - Jay-Jay Okocha – Midfield maestro, featured in multiple AFCON clashes. - Obafemi Martins – Scored the decisive goal in 2009 to send Nigeria to the 2010 World Cup. - Odion Ighalo – Scored the winner in the 2019 third-place match. - Victor Osimhen – Emerging star, expected to lead Nigeria in future tournaments.
Tunisia
- Youssef Msakni – Scored the winner in 2022 AFCON Round of 16. - Radhi Jaïdi – Defensive stalwart during the 2004 title run. - Ahmed Akaïchi – Key striker in CHAN and AFCON campaigns. - Wahbi Khazri – Versatile attacker, pivotal in Tunisia’s recent successes.
Uganda and Tanzania will meet for the 65th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This fixture is one of the most enduring rivalries in African football, rooted in East African regional pride and decades of competitive encounters. The two nations are also set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya, further highlighting their growing stature in African football.
In the heart of East Africa, where football pulses through the veins of communities and national pride is stitched into every jersey, the rivalry between Uganda and Tanzania stands as one of the continent’s most enduring and underrated fixtures. With over six decades of competition and more than 60 matches played, this fixture has transcended sport to become a cultural touchstone for both nations.
Origins and Early Encounters
The Uganda vs Tanzania rivalry dates back to the early post-independence era, when both nations were forging their identities on and off the pitch. Their first recorded meeting came in the 1960s, during the formative years of the CECAFA Cup (then known as the Gossage Cup), a regional tournament that would become the primary battleground for East African supremacy. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Uganda and Tanzania clashed frequently in CECAFA, with Uganda often emerging as the dominant force. Matches were fiercely contested, drawing passionate crowds and serving as a proving ground for local talent.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: The Road to Continental Glory
The rivalry has spilled into Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaigns, with six meetings to date. While Uganda has historically had the upper hand, one match stands out as a watershed moment for Tanzania.
2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Tanzania’s Breakthrough
- **First Leg (8 September 2018, Kampala):** Uganda 0–0 Tanzania - **Second Leg (24 March 2019, Dar es Salaam):** Tanzania 3–0 Uganda
- **Goals:** Simon Msuva, Erasto Nyoni (PEN), Aggrey Morris
In front of a jubilant home crowd, Tanzania stunned Uganda with a commanding 3–0 victory. The win secured Tanzania’s qualification for the 2019 AFCON — their first appearance in 39 years. It was a moment of national celebration, with players like Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva hailed as heroes.
2025 AFCON Qualifiers: A Balanced Exchange
- **First Leg (24 March 2023, Ismailia, Egypt):** Uganda 0–1 Tanzania - **Second Leg (28 March 2023, Dar es Salaam):** Tanzania 0–1 Uganda
Both teams exchanged 1–0 away wins in a tightly contested group. Ultimately, both nations qualified for the 2025 AFCON, reflecting the growing parity in the rivalry.
CHAN Clashes: Local Talent on Display
The African Nations Championship (CHAN), reserved for players competing in domestic leagues, has seen Uganda and Tanzania meet six times in qualifiers and finals.
- Uganda has consistently advanced, winning aggregate ties in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022. - **2022 CHAN Finals (3 September 2022):** Uganda 3–0 Tanzania
This dominant group-stage win helped Uganda top their group, while Tanzania exited early. CHAN matches have showcased the depth of local talent and the tactical evolution of both sides.
CECAFA Cup: The Regional Battleground
The CECAFA Cup has been the most frequent stage for this rivalry, with over 30 meetings. Uganda is the most successful team in CECAFA history, while Tanzania has also claimed multiple titles.
Notable CECAFA Clashes
- **1973 Final:** Uganda 2–1 Tanzania - **1992 Final:** Uganda 1–0 Tanzania - **2003 Final:** Uganda 3–1 Tanzania - **2019 Semifinal:** Uganda 1–0 Tanzania
These matches have often had championship implications, adding intensity and prestige to the rivalry.
International Friendlies: Testing the Waters
Friendly matches have served as tactical experiments and morale boosters:
- **25 March 2015 (Kampala):** Uganda 1–0 Tanzania - **22 July 2025 (Dar es Salaam):** Tanzania 1–0 Uganda
While less consequential, these matches reflect the ongoing competitiveness and mutual respect between the sides.
Key Players Who Defined the Rivalry
Uganda
- **Phillip Omondi:** Legendary forward who led Uganda to the 1978 AFCON final. - **Geoffrey Massa:** Prolific striker in the 2010s, known for his leadership and finishing. - **Farouk Miya:** Midfield maestro with crucial goals in AFCON and qualifiers. - **Emmanuel Okwi:** Versatile attacker and CECAFA standout.
Tanzania
- **Mbwana Samatta:** First Tanzanian to play in the UEFA Champions League; national icon. - **Simon Msuva:** Scored in the historic 2019 win over Uganda. - **Erasto Nyoni:** Veteran defender and penalty specialist. - **Feisal Salum:** Creative midfielder instrumental in recent CHAN and AFCON campaigns.
Looking Ahead: Co-Hosts of AFCON 2027
Uganda and Tanzania, along with Kenya, will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations — a landmark moment for East African football. Their rivalry, once confined to regional tournaments, will now take center stage on the continental stage, with both nations poised to showcase their growth, talent, and passion. This rivalry is more than just goals and results — it’s a reflection of East Africa’s footballing heartbeat. From dusty pitches to packed stadiums, Uganda vs Tanzania continues to inspire, provoke, and unite fans across the region.
Uganda and Nigeria will meet for the ninth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The fixture has featured a mix of tournament clashes, qualifiers, and friendlies, with Nigeria historically holding the upper hand. However, Uganda’s most iconic victory in the rivalry came during their golden era in the late 1970s.
- Uganda: Phillip Omondi (1'), Tom Lwanga (63') - Nigeria: Segun Odegbami (70')
This semifinal marked Uganda’s greatest achievement in African football. In their first-ever meeting with Nigeria, the Cranes stunned the Super Eagles with a 2–1 victory to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first—and so far only—time in their history. Phillip Omondi, who would go on to finish as joint top scorer of the tournament, opened the scoring in the first minute. Tom Lwanga doubled the lead before Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami pulled one back. Uganda held firm to secure a famous win.
Following the 1978 final (which they lost 2–0 to Ghana), Uganda endured a 39-year absence from the tournament, not returning until the 2017 edition. The 2-1 victory against Nigeria would also be Uganda's last until the 2019 edition.
1992 AFCON Qualifiers
- **29 August 1992 (Lagos):** Nigeria 2–0 Uganda - **17 July 1993 (Kampala):** Uganda 0–0 Nigeria
Nigeria topped the group and qualified for the 1994 AFCON, which they went on to win. Uganda failed to qualify.
2008 AFCON Qualifiers
- **24 March 2007 (Abuja):** Nigeria 1–0 Uganda - **2 June 2007 (Kampala):** Uganda 2–1 Nigeria
Uganda’s home win was their second-ever victory over Nigeria and a major upset at the time. However, Nigeria still qualified for the 2008 AFCON, while Uganda narrowly missed out.
25 March 2015 (Uyo): Nigeria 0–1 Uganda
- **Goal:** Farouk Miya
Uganda stunned Nigeria with a late winner in a friendly match, showcasing their growing competitiveness.
20 November 2018 (Asaba):Nigeria 0–0 Uganda
A goalless draw in a friendly that reflected Uganda’s improved defensive organization.
Tunisia and Tanzania will meet for the third time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Their previous two encounters occurred during the 2021 AFCON qualification campaign, with Tunisia remaining unbeaten. Tunisia topped Group J and qualified comfortably for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, while Tanzania finished third in the group and did not qualify for the tournament.
First Leg – 13 November 2020 (Radès)
- **Result:** Tunisia 1–0 Tanzania - **Goal:** Youssef Msakni (18' PEN) - **Venue:** Stade Olympique de Radès - **Attendance:** Played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions
Tunisia controlled possession and earned a narrow win through a first-half penalty converted by captain Youssef Msakni. The match was part of a tightly scheduled qualification window impacted by pandemic protocols.
Tanzania responded well at home, equalizing early in the second half after conceding in the opening minutes. The draw kept Tanzania’s slim qualification hopes alive, but ultimately wasn’t enough.
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