Nigeria will welcome Tanzania on Friday for their next AFCON 2027 qualifying match, hoping to return to form after going two games without a victory.
The Super Eagles currently occupy second place in Group L with three points, and they will be aiming for a much-needed result in Uyo.
Nigeria’s recent record has been uneven. They began the campaign by beating Madagascar 2-1 at home in September, but then suffered a surprising 3-0 loss away to Guinea-Bissau. Last month, Éric Chelle’s team managed a dramatic 3-3 friendly draw with Russia, rescued by Akor Adams’ stoppage-time goal in the 94th minute. The side will now be looking to improve defensively and regain confidence in front of their home supporters.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria will be without leading striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable after undergoing knee surgery following an injury at Galatasaray.
Coach Éric Chelle has also omitted forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and George Ilenikhena from his 24-player squad. In defence, Semi Ajayi is dealing with a fitness issue, meaning Benjamin Fredricks or Chibuike Nwaiwu could be called upon to play alongside Calvin Bassey at centre-back.
With Osimhen absent, Ademola Lookman of Atlético Madrid will be expected to lead Nigeria’s attack. He will be supported by Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare, the in-form Ajax striker.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also under pressure to keep his place, with Arthur Okonkwo competing for the starting role after Nigeria’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria are likely to use a 4-3-3 formation, with Nwabali in goal; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, and Onyemaechi in defence; Ndidi, Iwobi, and Dele-Bashiru in midfield; and Lookman, Arokodare, and Simon leading the attack.
Nigeria predicted lineup
Possible Nigeria starting XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 4pm BST on Friday, 13th November.
How to watch Nigeria vs Tanzania?
Although Channel 4 and 4seven aired the AFCON 2025 finals, CAF has yet to announce an official broadcaster for the November 2026 AFCON 2027 qualifying matches in the United Kingdom.
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