Gamondi warns Tanzania travel problems could worsen in Nigeria return

Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi says his team’s travel difficulties could become even more challenging in Tuesday’s return leg against Nigeria, after the Super Eagles beat the Taifa Stars 3-1 in Uyo.

“Even the next game would be worse,” Gamondi said after Tolu Arokodare’s second-half double secured victory for Nigeria in their AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Alhassan Yusuf put the hosts ahead inside two minutes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday. Alphonce Msanga equalised for Tanzania after 32 minutes, but Arokodare came on at half-time and scored twice to give Nigeria all three points.

The teams meet again in Tanzania on Tuesday, with Nigeria on six points from three Group L matches. They are one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

Gamondi accepts Nigeria deserved victory

Gamondi was generous in his post-match assessment, according to AfricaSoccer, and highlighted the impact of Arokodare’s introduction after the break.

He also acknowledged that Nigeria’s early pressure had produced the opening goal, with the Super Eagles taking advantage of their strong start.

However, the Argentine’s main concern was the condition of his squad and the demands of another match so soon after the journey to Uyo.

He had raised similar concerns before kick-off in comments carried by PanAfrica Football, explaining that Tanzania were without three or four players, particularly because of visa problems and travel difficulties.

Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. That means Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the group’s other qualification place.

Tanzania can play without pressure

Gamondi’s comments offer Nigeria encouragement, given that Tanzania must now travel home after a demanding trip and have already been affected by absences.

Nigeria also controlled much of Friday’s match, enjoying 67.8% possession at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

But Tanzania’s qualification is already secure, and that could allow them to approach the home fixture without the same pressure as their opponents. Gamondi said his team had created opportunities in the second half and could have scored more.

Nigeria’s early advantage in Uyo was followed by a period in which Tanzania were allowed back into the contest. The Super Eagles will also have to assess the concern surrounding Ademola Lookman’s knee before the second meeting.

If Nigeria concede control in the same way in Tanzania, the home crowd and the conditions could make the return leg difficult despite the fatigue affecting the hosts.

Arokodare, meanwhile, arrives in exceptional form after scoring both of Nigeria’s second-half goals. Soccernet’s review of his Ajax numbers underlines the forward’s current run of form.

Whether Nigeria manager Eric Chelle starts Arokodare on Tuesday could have a significant influence on how comfortable the Super Eagles feel in the second leg.