Nigeria’s Super Eagles return to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action on Friday with a crucial Group L encounter against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Éric Chelle’s side enter the match under pressure to recover from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifier and keep their qualification hopes firmly on course.

The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a heavy defeat in Bissau, leaving them with three points from their opening two matches.

Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group with seven points after their 1-1 draw with Madagascar on Thursday, while Nigeria sit second on three points. Madagascar have two points, with Tanzania on one point from their opening two matches.  

The equation is slightly different for Tanzania. The Taifa Stars have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Nevertheless, they remain involved in the qualifying competition and will be looking to make an impact against Nigeria.  

Nigeria need maximum points

For the Super Eagles, Friday’s fixture is an opportunity to close the gap on Guinea-Bissau and restore confidence after the setback in Bissau.

A victory would move Nigeria to six points and strengthen their position in the race for the group’s remaining qualification ticket.

The pressure is heightened by the fact that Nigeria are attempting to avoid another major tournament disappointment after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Uyo, however, has been a productive venue for the Super Eagles. Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 at the same stadium in September and will hope home advantage can once again work in their favour.  

Chelle names strong squad

Chelle has assembled a 24-man squad for the double-header, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare among the attacking and midfield options.

Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho are the goalkeeping options, while Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi headline the defensive group.  

However, Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen, who continues his recovery from injury. Samuel Chukwueze and George Ilenikhena are also unavailable, while Semi Ajayi’s fitness has been monitored after a recent injury scare.  

Probable Nigeria XI

Stanley Nwabali is expected to start in goal, with Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi forming the defensive line.

Wilfred Ndidi could anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Ademola Lookman is expected to provide attacking threat.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams are among the leading options to start in attack, although Tolu Arokodare remains another possibility.

Probable XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams.  

Tanzania arrive without qualification pressure

Tanzania come into the encounter with significantly less pressure because their place at the 2027 AFCON is already guaranteed through their co-host status.

The Taifa Stars have collected just one point from their opening two qualifiers, losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau before drawing 1-1 with Madagascar.

They will nevertheless provide a serious test for Chelle’s team, particularly with Tanzania capable of approaching the match without the same qualification pressure facing the hosts.