AFCON 2027: Super Eagles Seek Redemption Against Tanzania After Guinea-Bissau Defeat

Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when they host Tanzania in a crucial Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday. Head coach Éric Chelle’s side will be under pressure to secure a positive result after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying match.

The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar on September 25 but failed to maintain their momentum, losing to Guinea-Bissau four days later. The defeat left Nigeria with three points from two matches, three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, making the double-header against Tanzania particularly important in their bid to secure qualification.

Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the encounter, featuring established players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon. However, Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who sustained a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Stuttgart and subsequently underwent surgery.

The forward has been ruled out of both qualifying matches against Tanzania, leaving Chelle to consider alternative attacking options, including Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has also returned to the squad, replacing Maduka Okoye. Tanzania Aiming For An Upset Tanzania, meanwhile, will be hoping to record its first qualifying victory despite already securing a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda.

The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, have managed just one point from their opening two matches, following a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and a 1-1 draw against Madagascar. Tanzania took the lead through Cyprian Kachwele in the 39th minute of their encounter with Madagascar before Nicolas Fontaine restored parity shortly after the break. Gamondi will also be without Dickson Job, Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum for the November fixtures, with Job and Mzize ruled out due to injury concerns.

Friday’s encounter will be another meeting between the two sides following their last clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria claimed a 2-1 victory on December 23. Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored for the Super Eagles, while Charles M’Mombwa got Tanzania’s goal. Although Tanzania has already booked its place at the 2027 tournament, the qualification race remains important for Nigeria, as only the highest-placed team among the remaining three nations in Group L will secure a ticket to the competition.

With Guinea-Bissau currently leading the group, the Super Eagles cannot afford another setback if they hope to strengthen their qualification prospects. Match Details Match: Nigeria vs Tanzania Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Matchday: 3 – Group L Date: Friday, November 13, 2026 Kickoff: 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria Where to Watch: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA)