AFCON 2027: Nigeria target six points against Tanzania to revive qualification hopes

Nigeria must win both matches against Tanzania during the current international window if they are to remain on course for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The Super Eagles face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Zanzibar for a second meeting on Tuesday. Six points would revive Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Pamoja finals, although their prospects will also depend on Madagascar’s results against Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs.

Nigeria began the window with a comeback victory over Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on 25 September. Four days later, however, they were beaten 3-0 by Guinea Bissau, leaving their qualification campaign in a precarious position.

Head coach Eric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have both stressed the importance of responding immediately to that defeat.

“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,” Chelle said.

“The spirit in camp is high and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches.”

Chelle has several defensive options, including former junior international Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene. In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani and Tochukwu Nnadi could bring a different balance to the side.

Nigeria will again be without Victor Osimhen, who suffered an injury while playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish league shortly before Chelle announced his squad.

In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle is expected to look to the attacking trio of Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid, Akor Adams of Italy and Tolu Arokodare of Ajax Amsterdam of The Netherlands. Arokodare has scored 13 goals in the Dutch League and UEFA Conference League this season.

Moses Simon, who plays in France, is another experienced player Nigeria will rely on. Tanzania’s most established and feared striker, Mbwana Samatta, also plays his club football in France.

Tanzania head coach Miguel Angel Gamondi will look to Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu and Bernard Kamungo for an attacking contribution at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The return fixture will take place on Tuesday, 17thNovember at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania.

Nigeria squad

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Mubarak Suleiman (SK Slavia Prague, Czechia).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England), Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands), Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).