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Tanzania Eyes Historic AFCON Win Against Nigeria

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Tanzania aims for first-ever AFCON victory as Taifa Stars prepare to face Nigeria in Group C opener at 2025 tournament

Miguel Gamondi, head coach of Tanzania, has expressed confidence that the Taifa Stars could end their long wait for a maiden Africa Cup of Nations victory when they face Nigeria at the 2025 tournament in Morocco on Tuesday.

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Also read: Super Eagles Gear Up for AFCON 2025 Group C Opener Against Tanzania

Tanzania has featured at three editions of the AFCON—1980, 2019 and 2023—playing nine matches without a win. Their Group C opener against the Super Eagles will mark their 10th AFCON game as they continue the search for a historic breakthrough.

The clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès will be only the second AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Tanzania, coming 45 years after their first encounter.

In 1980, the Super Eagles defeated the Taifa Stars 3–1 in the opening match of the tournament. During qualification for the 2017 AFCON, the teams drew 0–0 in Dar es Salaam, with Nigeria narrowly winning the return fixture 1–0 in Uyo.

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“It’s our dream, and nobody can stop us from believing and dreaming,” Gamondi said at a pre-match press conference.

“If you don’t have a dream, it doesn’t make sense to sleep too much. I respect Nigeria a lot, but in football anything is possible. We are here to make a good performance.”

The Argentine coach acknowledged Nigeria’s superior pedigree but insisted his side were not resigned to defeat. “I’m very realistic about the possibilities. Maybe Nigeria have 99 per cent, but you never know.

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I am confident we can do something. If we do what we need to do and are able to win, beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us, especially at the start of the tournament.”

After Tuesday’s opener, Tanzania will face Uganda in their second Group C match on Friday before concluding the group stage against Tunisia the following Tuesday.

Tanzania made its AFCON debut in 1980 on Nigerian soil, losing all three group matches, including defeats to Egypt and Ivory Coast.

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In 2019, under former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke, they returned after a 39-year absence but again exited without a win.

Alao read: Osimhen joins Super Eagles camp ahead of AFCON 2025

The 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast saw signs of progress, with the Taifa Stars drawing against Zambia and DR Congo following an opening defeat to Morocco.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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