Nigeria face crucial Tanzania double-header as Guinea-Bissau lead AFCON 2027 qualifying

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be tested by two matches against Tanzania in November, with the Super Eagles three points behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria have three points from their opening two fixtures after beating Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on 25 September before suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Guinea-Bissau lead the group with six points and a goal difference of +5. Nigeria are second with three points and a -2 goal difference, while Madagascar and Tanzania have one point apiece.

Group L standings

– Guinea-Bissau: played 2, won 2, goal difference +5, 6 points
– Nigeria: played 2, won 1, lost 1, goal difference -2, 3 points
– Madagascar: played 2, drawn 1, lost 1, goal difference -1, 1 point
– Tanzania: played 2, drawn 1, lost 1, goal difference -2, 1 point

Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 finals and have already secured their place in the tournament. As a result, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will qualify from the group.

That leaves Nigeria needing a strong return from their two meetings with Tanzania. The first is scheduled to take place in Uyo, with the reverse fixture in Dar es Salaam, both in mid-November.

There is no agreement yet over the exact dates. One fixture list gives 11 and 15 November, while another lists the matches for 13 and 17 November.

Six points would move Nigeria to nine and put pressure on Guinea-Bissau to maintain their lead. Anything less would leave the Super Eagles dependent on results elsewhere.

Osimhen return could strengthen squad

The make-up of Eric Chelle’s squad will be important. Legit.ng reported in mid-October that the coach was considering three changes, including the return of Victor Osimhen after a groin injury.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Banik Ostrava defender Abdullahi Bewene were also reported to be under consideration, although no official squad list has been released.

Osimhen scored twice for Galatasaray in the Istanbul derby this week, a performance which indicates he is fit to return. Soccernet has also profiled Bewene in a report titled “Meet the right-back reported in Chelle’s squad”.

Chelle’s responsibilities could also affect his preparations. He manages both the Super Eagles and the Olympic Eagles, who have a fixture around the same dates. Soccernet has reported on the scheduling conflict and the problems created by his double duty.

Nigeria must take maximum points from Tanzania if they are to improve their position before the year ends.