The Super Eagles host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kick-off is at 5pm Nigerian time, and fans in Nigeria can watch it live on SuperSport. Nigeria sit second in Group L on three points, three behind Guinea-Bissau, who have won both their games.
Nigeria opened with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in September, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring the goals. Their second game ended in a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau. A win on Friday would take them to six points and close some of the gap on the leaders.
Tanzania cannot take a place in the group. As one of three co-hosts, with Kenya and Uganda, they qualified automatically for the finals, which run from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Tanzania have one point from a 1-1 draw with Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau beat them 2-0. CAF's statement on Group L made the stakes plain:
"With Tanzania already qualified as a co-host, Nigeria must finish above the other competing teams to secure their place at the finals."
In head-to-head terms, Guinea-Bissau have the upper hand on Nigeria, which could prove decisive should the two teams be level on points, Legit.ng reports. SoccerNet's analysis is that Nigeria need six points from this window. Two wins would take them to nine. Should Guinea-Bissau win both of their upcoming matches against Madagascar, they would reach 12 points, leaving the Super Eagles heading into March still three points back and with a much poorer goal difference after the heavy loss in Bissau.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has all 24 invited players in camp in Uyo, according to Vanguard. Those in camp include Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey. Victor Osimhen is not part of the squad, and SoccerNet notes that Chelle built the squad without him.
Nigeria have failed to reach the FIFA World Cup in two consecutive cycles. Missing the 2027 tournament would be the first absence from the continental competition since 2017, according to the BBC, as cited by Legit.ng.
The Tanzania double-header continues with the return fixture in Tanzania on Tuesday, 17 November.
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