Nigeria is set to host Tanzania in their next AFCON Qualifiers match on Friday as they look to come back to winning ways after failing to win in two successive matches.
Nigeria vs Tanzania – Match preview and team news
- Date: Friday, 13th November.
- Kick-off: 4pm BST.
- Venue: Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria enters Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined following knee surgery for a club injury with Galatasaray.
Coach Éric Chelle also left forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and George Ilenikhena out of his 24-man squad. In defence, Semi Ajayi is nursing a fitness concern, leaving Benjamin Fredricks or Chibuike Nwaiwu on standby to partner Calvin Bassey at centre-back.
Without Osimhen, Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman carries the primary attacking responsibility alongside Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, and in-form Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faces heavy competition for his starting spot from Arthur Okonkwo after a recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation: Nwabali; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru; Lookman, Arokodare, Simon.
Tanzania team news
Tanzania head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi is dealing with two notable absences ahead of the Group L clash in Uyo, as Yanga duo Clement Mzize and Dickson Job are both ruled out with injuries.
To bolster his attacking options, Gamondi called up Azam winger Iddi Seleman Nado as a replacement. Overall, the manager selected a balanced 24-man roster split evenly between 12 domestic league players and 12 foreign-based professionals.
Veteran captain Mbwana Samatta will spearhead the frontline, supported by experienced wingers Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu, and Bernard Kamungo.
In midfield, Novatus Miroshi and Feisal Salum are expected to anchor the center of the park against Nigeria’s physical trio. Tanzania is projected to deploy a 4-1-4-1 setup: Suleiman; Msindo, Hamad, Mwamnyeto, Mwaikenda; Miroshi; Msuva, Salum, M’Mombwa, Kamungo; Samatta.
Form
Nigeria
Nigeria enters this AFCON 2027 qualifier in inconsistent form, sitting second in Group L with three points. After opening their campaign with a 2-1 home win over Madagascar in September, the Super Eagles suffered a shocking 3-0 away defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Last month, Éric Chelle’s side salvaged a thrilling 3-3 friendly draw against Russia via a 94th-minute Akor Adams equalizer, leaving them eager to tighten defensively and build momentum in Uyo.
Tanzania
Tanzania arrives in Uyo searching for their first Group L victory, having collected just one point from two qualifying matches. The Taifa Stars opened their campaign with a 2-0 home loss to Guinea-Bissau in September before rebounding with a gritty 1-1 away draw against Madagascar. Already guaranteed a finals spot as tournament co-hosts, Miguel Ángel Gamondi’s squad has struggled for consistency in 2026, managing only one win across five matches.
Predicted lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams
Tanzania: Manula; Chilambo, Lukanima, Mwamnyeto, Mnoga; Mao, Mabula, Salum; Kachwele, Msuva, Kibu
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania?
While Channel 4 and 4seven broadcast the AFCON 2025 finals, CAF has not confirmed an official UK rights holder for the November 2026 AFCON 2027 qualifying matches.
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