Tanzania captain Himid Mao Mkami has described Victor Osimhen as a “very big player” but insists his absence will not change the Taifa Stars’ approach to Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

Osimhen was left out of the Super Eagles squad for the double-header against Tanzania after sustaining an injury while playing for Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The striker picked up the injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League victory over Stuttgart and subsequently missed the club’s league fixture against Amedspor.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Uyo, Mkami acknowledged the quality Osimhen brings to the Nigerian team but stressed that Tanzania were preparing to face the Super Eagles as a whole, rather than focusing on individual players.

“First I think we are playing Nigeria, regardless of who is playing and who is not, they would still be the best team,” Mkami stated.

The Tanzania skipper admitted that Osimhen’s presence could have strengthened Nigeria but expressed confidence that the remaining Super Eagles players could deliver in the striker’s absence.

“Osimhen is a very big player, we respect him, maybe his presence will make a positive impact to his team but we are playing Nigeria tomorrow, so I hope the rest of the team will do the job as he was there also,” he said.

Mkami also dismissed any suggestion that Tanzania would approach the encounter casually because they have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts.

The midfielder explained that the remaining qualifiers would provide an important opportunity for the Taifa Stars to build a competitive squad ahead of the continental tournament.

“Of course we have already qualified but we also need to build a team and prepare for the competition. So, we also came here to compete and prepare our team for the next African Cup of Nations,” he added.

He further emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, describing the Tanzanian squad as a united group working towards shared objectives.

“We try to build based on what coach and the nation want. We also work together to build a good team, so it doesn’t matter who is playing where. When we come here, we are one family and try to reach our goals together as a team,” Mkami said.

Nigeria, meanwhile, are under pressure to collect maximum points from the two meetings as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles opened Group L with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, leaving them with three points from their opening two matches.

Éric Chelle’s side will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.

Although Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 tournament, Nigeria need a strong response to strengthen their chances of joining the co-hosts at the finals.