Iroha warns Nigeria against underestimating Tanzania in 2027 AFCON qualifier

Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha has urged the Super Eagles to avoid complacency when they face Tanzania in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Iroha believes Nigeria must recover the three points they lost in their previous Group L match against Guinea-Bissau to strengthen their hopes of qualifying for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“After the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau, a result that jolted our qualification hopes in Group L, it’s important that we get the three points against Tanzania on Friday,” Iroha told Completesports.com from his base in Texas, United States, on Wednesday.

“The players should be determined and fight for every ball because victory against Tanzania is crucial to our quest to secure the sole 2027 AFCON ticket from the group.

“Granted, Tanzania are not on the same pedestal as Nigeria when it comes to football, but things are changing. There are no more minnows in the game. Other countries are catching up fast, so the belief that Tanzania cannot beat the Super Eagles no longer holds.

“Did you ever think Guinea-Bissau would beat the Super Eagles in the last match? That’s part of the reason the Super Eagles should roll up their sleeves and fight for maximum points.”

Nigeria hold the head-to-head advantage

Friday’s fixture will be the 19th meeting between Nigeria and Tanzania across all competitions.

The Super Eagles have won five of their past eight encounters with the Taifa Stars, while the other three matches ended in draws. Nigeria have scored 11 goals in those eight games, with Tanzania finding the net three times.

Despite Tanzania’s position at the bottom of the group, Iroha said Nigeria could not afford to rely on past results or the perceived difference in the teams’ standings.

Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points from their two qualifying matches. Nigeria are second on three points, while Madagascar and Tanzania each have one point. Tanzania sit fourth because of their inferior goal difference.

The result against Guinea-Bissau has left Nigeria needing a strong response as the Super Eagles attempt to improve their position in the group and maintain their hopes of securing qualification.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be staged across three countries for the first time, after the Confederation of African Football selected Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as co-hosts.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.