The Nigeria vs Tanzania clash on Friday is the biggest night of the Super Eagles’ year so far — a must-win AFCON 2027 qualifier in Uyo, played without Victor Osimhen, against opponents who have never beaten Nigeria but have nothing to lose. Kick-off is 5pm WAT at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and with Guinea-Bissau already three points clear at the top of Group L, Eric Chelle’s side cannot afford another slip. For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Nigeria sit second in the group with three points from two games, after beating Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo and then suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau. Tanzania are bottom with one point, having lost 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drawn 1-1 with Madagascar, but they are already assured of a place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda — which leaves only one qualification ticket available from the group, and Nigeria need it.
Nigeria vs Tanzania: why Uyo is a must-win for Chelle
The Super Eagles have won just one of their last five internationals, drawing two and losing two, and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of them — a run that includes a 3-3 friendly draw away to Russia on 6 October.
Uyo, at least, has been a happier hunting ground. Nigeria have won their last three matches at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, including September’s victory over Madagascar, and Chelle has made the stakes plain: his side must take maximum points from both meetings with Tanzania, with anything less likely to make qualification far harder ahead of the return fixture in Zanzibar four days later.
Tanzania arrive with less pressure but plenty of motivation. The Taifa Stars have recorded just one victory in their last 15 matches across all competitions, and they will be hoping to claim a first-ever victory over Nigeria. Their previous six meetings with the Super Eagles have produced two draws and four defeats.
Nigeria vs Tanzania: team news and predicted line-ups
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Samuel Chukwueze, who is still working his way back from hip surgery. That leaves Ademola Lookman as the main threat in attack, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams in line to lead the line in Chelle’s favoured 4-4-2 diamond, while Tolu Arokodare remains an option off the bench.
There is better news elsewhere in the 24-man squad: Semi Ajayi has joined up after suffering a cramp-related scare during Hull City’s defeat to Arsenal, although his fitness still needs to be assessed, while Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi are expected to supply the creativity from the flanks and midfield. George Ilenikhena, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar, is unavailable after Chelle revealed the 20-year-old was left out because of fitness concerns, while Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho are among the notable omissions and Francis Uzoho has been recalled.
The possible Nigeria XI is: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams. Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, will be without Clement Mzize and Dickson Job, who have withdrawn through injury, with Iddi Nado called up as a replacement. Captain Mbwana Samatta has not been included in their 24-man selection, while Aishi Manula is likely to start in goal and Simon Msuva could lead the attack. Their possible XI is: Manula; Chilambo, Lukanima, Mwamnyeto, Mnoga; Mao, Mabula, Salum; Kachwele, Msuva, Kibu.
Nigeria vs Tanzania: prediction
Nigeria’s superior quality, their strong home record and a head-to-head record in which Tanzania have never won should be enough — but the Super Eagles’ recent form warns against expecting a comfortable night.
Sports Mole tips a 3-1 home win, while Complete Sports goes for 2-0 and KhelNow for a tighter 1-0. SportsBuddy’s call sits with the middle of that range: the Eagles’ extra quality tells in the second half, Lookman makes the difference, and a clean sheet finally arrives. Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Tanzania.
Photos: Moses Simon in Nigeria colours, SonoGrazy via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) — collage by SportsBuddy
