Nigeria name strong starting XI for 2027 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania

Eric Chelle has named a strong Nigeria side to face Tanzania in Friday evening’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with Stanley Nwabali selected ahead of Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho.

The Chippa United goalkeeper will start behind a back four of Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Abdullahi Bewene.

Bewene is the only defender in the starting XI who is not affiliated with a Premier League club. Aina, Fredrick and Bassey complete a defence that gives Chelle’s side a blend of experience and youth for the Group L encounter.

Wilfred Ndidi will provide the defensive anchor in midfield, with the Besiktas player joined by Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi and Alex Iwobi.

Ademola Lookman has also been named in the team, while Akor Adams retains his place in attack. Victor Osimhen and George Ilenikhena are unavailable after being ruled out through injury.

The Super Eagles will be seeking all three points against the Taifa Stars as they attempt to reduce the distance between themselves and Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau currently have a four-point advantage in the provisional qualifying standings.

Chelle has therefore kept faith with Nwabali despite competition from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and PAC Omonia’s Francis Uzoho, who are both included among the substitutes.

Nigeria’s bench also includes Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Tijani, Arokodare, Dele-Bashiru, Usor, Osayi-Samuel, Nwaiwu, Simon and Awoniyi.

The Super Eagles starting XI is:

Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Abdullahi Bewene; Wilfred Ndidi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams.

Substitutes: Francis Uzoho, Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Tijani, Arokodare, Dele-Bashiru, Usor, Osayi-Samuel, Nwaiwu, Simon, Arthur Okonkwo, Awoniyi.