AFCON 2027 qualifying: Chelle demands maximum points as Nigeria face Tanzania

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has challenged the Super Eagles to produce their best football as they attempt to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Tanzania.

The Super Eagles host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with the return fixture scheduled for next Tuesday at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.

The two matches come after Nigeria suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying outing. Chelle says his side must respond immediately and cannot afford another result that would further weaken their qualification prospects.

The Malian coach believes victories in both fixtures are essential and has urged his players to move beyond the disappointment of their earlier loss.

“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 told thenff.com.

Chelle said the players had retained a positive mindset in camp and were focused on collecting the points available from the double-header.

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

Nigeria will therefore begin the home fixture knowing that the Tanzania games represent a key opportunity to repair the damage caused by the defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Chelle has made clear that the players must match their determination with hard work on the pitch if they are to keep their qualifying hopes alive.