Nigeria’s chance to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gets a tough test when the Super Eagles take on Tanzania in Uyo on Friday. Coach Eric Chelle knows his team must win to boost their chances in a group with only one qualifying spot, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Super Eagles have had a rocky start, winning one and losing the other of their first two games. They cannot afford another loss against Tanzania, who have already secured their spot in the tournament as co-hosts along with Uganda and Kenya.
Chelle and his players are under pressure due to their recent results. They have only one win in their last five international matches, with two draws and two losses. They have also struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet, including a 3-3 draw against Russia in a friendly on October 6.
Chelle stressed the need for Nigeria to grab maximum points in both matches against Tanzania to improve their chances of securing the only remaining qualifying ticket. The second match will take place in Dar es Salaam four days after Friday's game.
Historically, the Super Eagles have the upper hand against the Taifa Stars. They have won five and drawn three of their eight previous encounters in all competitions. Tanzania has never beaten Nigeria.
Their last meeting was at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Ademola Lookman led Nigeria to a 2-1 win against the Taifa Stars.
The teams also faced off during the 2017 AFCON qualifying campaign, ending in a 0-0 draw in Dar es Salaam on September 5, 2015. Nigeria later won 1-0 in Uyo on September 3, 2016. Despite this, neither team qualified for the tournament, with Egypt winning the group.
Since that qualifying round, Tanzania has participated in four AFCON tournaments and will make their fifth appearance after securing automatic qualification as co-hosts for the 2027 edition.
Their coach, Miguel Gamondi, took over shortly before the 2025 AFCON. He sees this double-header as a chance to test his team and build confidence ahead of the tournament at home.
With their qualification already assured, the Taifa Stars have less pressure compared to Nigeria. Still, they are looking to end their winless streak against the Super Eagles and make a strong statement before co-hosting.
For Nigeria, the pressure is much greater as they aim for their 22nd appearance at the continental tournament.
The Super Eagles kicked off their Group L campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo in September. Unfortunately, they then faced a heavy 3-0 loss away to Guinea-Bissau just days later.
These mixed results have left Nigeria trailing behind Guinea-Bissau in the group standings. With Tanzania automatically qualifying as co-hosts, there is only one spot left for the other teams.
Friday’s match is a chance for Chelle’s squad to get their campaign back on track. They will need to carry any momentum from this game into the return match in Tanzania to keep their hopes alive.
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