Nigeria v Tanzania: Akor Adams aims to build on Russia heroics in AFCON qualifier

Akor Adams will lead Nigeria’s attacking options into Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo after rescuing the Super Eagles in their most recent match.

The striker scored in the 94th minute of last month’s 3-3 friendly draw with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, completing a comeback after Nigeria had fallen 3-1 behind. Kelechi Iheanacho and Peter Edokpolor were also on target.

With Victor Osimhen injured, Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi are competing for the central striking role in Eric Chelle’s squad. Arokodare arrives in form at Ajax, while Awoniyi joined the team on Wednesday. The forward selected to start will have support from Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

Nigeria sit second in Group L with three points, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. They beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo in September before losing 3-0 in Bissau.

Tanzania have one point from a 1-1 draw with Madagascar and were beaten 2-0 by Guinea-Bissau. As co-hosts of the 2027 finals with Kenya and Uganda, the Taifa Stars have already qualified, leaving Nigeria’s main qualifying battle with Guinea-Bissau.

However, Tanzania are not treating the fixture lightly. Tanzanian federation official Almasi Kasongo said this week that his team would go to the stadium looking to secure a result.

Previous meeting offers warning

Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 at AFCON 2025 in Fes last December. Semi Ajayi headed in from an Iwobi cross, before Charles M’Mombwa equalised five minutes into the second half. Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later.

The Super Eagles controlled much of that match and created the better chances, but their missed opportunities allowed Tanzania to remain in contention until the closing stages.

Adams played in the game, forcing a save from Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi that led to the keeper’s injury. His late goal against Russia has strengthened his claim for the number nine position.

Tanzania’s attacking threat includes Simon Msuva, who tested Stanley Nwabali in Fes and returns to Miguel Gamondi’s squad for this double-header. Calvin Bassey, Ajayi and Ola Aina were among the first Nigeria players to report to camp, providing Chelle with an established defensive base.

Goal difference could prove decisive

Nigeria have scored five and conceded seven across their last three matches, including the Russia friendly. Their victory over Madagascar was narrow, while the defeat in Bissau was emphatic and the Russia draw required a stoppage-time equaliser.

Guinea-Bissau already have a 3-0 victory over Nigeria and a goal difference of plus five from wins against the Super Eagles and Tanzania. That makes the margin of victory on Friday important: a narrow win would keep Nigeria in the race, but a broader success would begin to repair the damage caused in Bissau.

Tanzania have scored only once in two qualifiers, which may allow Nigeria to push their full-backs forward and retain a second striker for longer. Anything less than a two-goal victory would leave Nigeria with further work to do in Tuesday’s return game in Tanzania.