As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, Tanzania’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has disclosed his team’s tactical approach to neutralize Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, in their Group C opener scheduled for Tuesday in Fez, Morocco.
In a recent interview, Gamondi acknowledged Osimhen’s prowess but emphasized the need to address Nigeria’s overall attacking strength. “We have a tactical plan to try to neutralize Victor Osimhen, but it’s not only him. You have players like Chukwueze, like Lookman. If one is neutralized, the other is attacking,” he stated.
Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, enters the tournament as Nigeria’s second-highest all-time scorer with 31 goals in 45 appearances. His presence, alongside talents like Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, presents a formidable challenge for the Taifa Stars.
Despite the daunting task, Gamondi remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. “We just want to make history for the country. I think it’s coming up. It’s improving. So in a few years’ time, people will start to recognize Tanzania a lot more,” said defender Haji Mnoga, reflecting the team’s aspirations.
However, the Tanzanian squad faces additional challenges, notably adapting to the cold weather conditions in Morocco. Gamondi admitted that some players are struggling with the climate but insisted it wouldn’t serve as an excuse. “It’s not a problem because the weather is the same for everybody. It’s true we are more adapted to hot and warm temperatures, and some players are suffering a bit from the cold, but we need to adapt,” he remarked.
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