Ajayi urges Nigeria to stay alert as Tanzania test awaits in Zanzibar

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi says Nigeria must treat Tanzania as a serious threat when the teams meet again in Zanzibar on Tuesday, with victory vital to keeping their AFCON 2027 qualifying hopes under their own control.

Nigeria travelled from Uyo on Sunday on a chartered flight to Zanzibar City, two days after defeating the Taifa Stars 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The return fixture will be played at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday 17 November, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 WAT.

Nigeria are second in Group L with six points from three matches, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Only the group winners will qualify, while Tanzania have already secured their place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts.

Ajayi calls for quick adaptation

Ajayi, who plays for Hull City, believes Tanzania showed in Uyo that they are capable of causing Nigeria problems. In comments reported by Bold Sports, he described the Taifa Stars as “a good team” and warned against underestimating them.

The defender also highlighted the need for Nigeria to adjust quickly to the conditions in Zanzibar. The early-afternoon kick-off and the island environment will create a different challenge from the Friday evening match in Uyo.

Nigeria’s previous away fixture in the qualifying campaign ended in a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in the last international window. Ajayi acknowledged that result as a setback, but said the squad must now move forward.

He also pointed to the changes made by head coach Eric Chelle at half-time in Friday’s match as a key factor in Nigeria’s improved performance after the break. The Super Eagles must now build on that response, with Chelle setting a clear objective for the return fixture: Nigeria must travel to Tanzania and win.

Pressure remains despite Tanzania’s position

Tanzania are bottom of Group L with one point, but their position does not make Tuesday’s match straightforward. Already guaranteed a place in the tournament as co-hosts, they have no qualification target to protect, while Nigeria remain under pressure to collect maximum points.

The outcome carries significant importance for the group. A draw would leave Nigeria relying on results elsewhere, whereas a victory would keep the Super Eagles close to Guinea-Bissau before the final round of matches.

Ajayi’s role is also part of the defensive selection picture, with Benjamin Fredrick having been considered as a potential rival for his place. The Amaan Stadium holds difficult memories for Chelle because of a painful CHAN experience.

Whoever is selected in defence, Nigeria will need the calm and concentration Ajayi has demanded if they are to finish the group campaign within touching distance of top spot.