The journey to next year’s AFCON tournament in East Africa continues for the Super Eagles on Friday, as they face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the tournament, in a matchday three encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
This game comes just two days after head coach Eric Chelle clocked 49. However, there is plenty to worry about for the tactician, whose side were humbled by Guinea-Bissau in the last game, and there is now pressure to take all available points in the double header in this window.
Friday’s game is a repeat of last December’s AFCON meeting between the two countries in Fes. Alex Iwobi delivered a pair of assists as Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored in the laboured win for Eric Chelle’s side. With Victor Osimhen missing again, Chelle will have to find a solution upfront, and the absence of George Ilenikhena, who impressed on his debut back in September, seems to be a major concern.
WIN OR BUST
If the Super Eagles want to be at the PAMOJA AFCON, winning the doubleheader against the already qualified Taifa Stars of Tanzania is non-negotiable. Eric Chelle and his men are playing catch-up following the defeat at Guinea-Bissau, and winning the remaining four games of the qualifiers will guarantee qualification to another AFCON.
Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are jostling for one ticket, while the other has been taken by Tanzania, regardless of where they finish at the end of the qualification series in March 2027. Following the 1-1 draw between Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in the other Group L clash on Thursday, the Super Eagles must now win on Friday in Uyo before the return leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday.
A TWEAK IN SET UP?
Even when the right personnel are not available, Eric Chelle has favoured a 4-4-2 diamond formation since taking over about two years ago. Recently, he has paired Akor Adams with another forward, while keeping Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, and placing Ademola Lookman, who has yet to score in his past five AFCON qualifiers for the Super Eagles, right behind the two forwards.
With Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen out due to injury, and Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika overlooked for the returning Tochukwu Nnadi and Fisayo-Dele Bashiru, it remains to be seen whether Chelle will stick to his usual set-up or play to the strengths of the players at his disposal.
FORM AND HISTORY ON NIGERIA’S SIDE
Nigeria have maintained an unbeaten record against Tanzania in their previous six competitive meetings, recording four victories and two draws. The Super Eagles also hold the upper hand in recent encounters, having won three of their last four clashes with the East Africans.
The Taifa Stars have not won a competitive game since 2024 in the AFCON qualifiers, and they will be up against a side they have never beaten in their history. In-form striker Tolu Arokodare will fancy his chances against the East Africans, while Ademola Lookman will also be keen to play a major role in rejuvenating Nigeria’s AFCON qualification quest.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Eric Chelle (Nigeria head coach)
This is the most important thing. Tanzania do not have any pressure because they have qualified. It is easy to play a game with nothing at stake for them. For us, we have been working, and we have to be very focused on the game and start with a lot of intensity.
Miguel Ángel Gamondi (Tanzania head coach)
Nigeria is one of the biggest in Africa, and the quality is well known. We have already qualified, but we need to keep improving, and we are ready to give a battle to Nigeria. We respect Nigeria a lot, but we will try our best to compete.
MATCH DETAILS:
Match: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Time: 5pm West African time (GMT+1)
Referee: Jean Jacques Ndala (DR Congo)
HOW TO WATCH:
Nigeria vs Tanzania will be available to watch on multiple platforms. For Cable TV subscribers in Nigeria, the game is LIVE on SuperSport Channel 204 (La Liga), and for online subscribers, AfroSport TV on Facebook and free-to-air could also broadcast the game.
