Chelle’s men seek redemption after Guinea-Bissau defeat, but will be without injured striker Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim 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 head into the match under pressure after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture. Nigeria had opened the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but now have three points from two matches, three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the encounter, including Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon. However, the team will be without Victor Osimhen, who sustained a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s Champions League match against Stuttgart and subsequently underwent surgery.
Osimhen’s absence leaves attacking responsibilities to alternatives such as Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has also returned to the squad, replacing Maduka Okoye.
Tanzania, meanwhile, will be seeking its first qualifying victory despite already securing a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. The Taifa Stars have collected just one point from two matches, following a 2-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau and a 1-1 draw with Madagascar.
Coach Miguel Gamondi will also be without Dickson Job, Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum for the November fixtures, with Job and Mzize sidelined by injuries.
The two countries last met at the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory through goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Charles M’Mombwa scored for Tanzania.
Although Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, Nigeria need a strong result to improve their chances of progressing from Group L, where only the highest-placed team among the remaining three competing nations will secure a qualification ticket.
Match Details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
- Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers – Group L, Matchday 3
- Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Kick-off: 5:00 pm Nigerian time
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
- Broadcast: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA)