Super Eagles Aim to Beat Tanzania in AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria is set on winning all points in their two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Tanzania. The team wants to bounce back in their campaign.

Nigeria will face the Taifa Stars in Uyo on Friday. They will then travel to Zanzibar for the second match on Tuesday, 17 November.

The Super Eagles go into these matches under pressure. They have had a mixed start to their Group L campaign. They won 2-1 against Madagascar but lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau.

These results mean Nigeria needs a strong performance to keep their hopes alive for the tournament. The AFCON 2027 will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have both talked about the need to win both matches. Chelle said the players are eager to move past the loss to Guinea-Bissau.

"We must work hard in these two matches and do everything to win. It is important to sustain the hope, and all the players are in that mood to banish the memory of that defeat to Guinea-Bissau and show their true quality.

"The spirit in camp is high, and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches," Chelle said.

However, Chelle will have to plan without Victor Osimhen. He is out due to an injury he got while playing for his club, Galatasaray in Turkey.

With Osimhen missing, Nigeria will rely on Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare to score goals against Tanzania. Arokodare, who plays for Ajax in the Netherlands, is expected to take on more responsibility, along with experienced forward Moses Simon.

Chelle has several options for changes in midfield and defense. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani, and Tochukwu Nnadi could be called upon.

Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene may also step in as defensive options.

On the other hand, Tanzania will try to frustrate Nigeria and use their attacking players wisely. They have experienced forward Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu, and Bernard Kamungo.

The second match will be held at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday. Nigeria knows that winning both games will boost their chances in the qualification race.

For the Super Eagles, Friday’s game is a chance to recover from their loss to Guinea-Bissau and regain confidence as they aim for the 2027 AFCON finals.