Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has acknowledged the significant difference in quality between his team and Nigeria’s Super Eagles following Friday’s 3-1 defeat in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter in Uyo.

The Argentine made the admission after the Taifa Stars lost their matchday three fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Nigeria took an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf, who broke the deadlock just two minutes into the encounter.

Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga restored parity, but substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the 52nd and 60th minutes to secure all three points for the hosts.

The victory moved Nigeria to six points, just one behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar.

Speaking in an interview with TFF TV, Gamondi praised his players for their commitment and fighting spirit but admitted that Nigeria’s superior quality made the difference.

“I want to congratulate my players for the fight, the spirit, how they run, they put in everything inside the pitch. We knew we were playing against a big team, we committed one mistake in just two minutes which was the worst scenario but we came back to equalise to draw the first half.

“We knew in the first 15 minutes of the second half they will come to press us, we saw the changes they made, they kept their big players on the bench. Physically they are very strong and even with that we tried to play, we battled, we created three, four chances as well but honestly it’s the level we have, we don’t have much more than that, the gap and quality between us and Nigeria is very big, when you make one mistake they punish you.”

The Tanzania coach described the encounter as a valuable learning experience for his players, while recognising Nigeria's standing among Africa's leading football nations.

“We need to give credit to Nigeria, for me they are one of the best teams in Africa and Tanzania needs to continue working because this kind of game gives us something to learn to see our level. We will keep working and try to do our best like I repeat there’s a big difference, the condition, the players but we deserve credit,” he added.

Gamondi also appealed to Tanzanian supporters to remain behind the national team, stressing that encouragement from fans would help the players improve.

He reminded supporters that Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts but urged them to maintain realistic expectations.

“Tanzania is already in the Cup of Nations but the people must be realistic we are like 115 in the FIFA ranking but we need encouragement because that’s the only way the players can give more by feeling the support of the fans,” he said.

The Taifa Stars will have an opportunity to respond when they host Nigeria in the return fixture on Tuesday as both teams continue their Group L campaign.