Super Eagles Kick Off Tanzania Prep: Stars Assemble in Uyo as AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Heat Up

Nigeria’s Super Eagles held their first training session of the November international window yesterday in Uyo, with 17 players already in camp as preparations intensify for the crucial AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

All three goalkeepers — Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo — were among those present, providing head coach Eric Chelle with a full complement between the sticks.

Big-name attackers Tolu Arokodare and Ademola Lookman also featured prominently, injecting quality and experience into the early sessions at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium complex.

Several key figures are still expected to link up with the squad. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and striker Taiwo Awoniyi remain among those yet to arrive, with the technical crew anticipating a near-full complement in the coming hours.

The players will return to the training pitch later today as Chelle continues fine-tuning his side for Friday’s first leg in Uyo.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars also conducted their opening session and have voiced confidence they can cause an upset in the two-legged clash.

Already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, the East Africans have little pressure on the results but remain motivated to spoil Nigeria’s qualification path.

An initial media parley planned with the Super Eagles for today has been cancelled, leaving journalists to rely on training observations and official updates in the buildup to the fixtures.

Group L Standings and What’s at Stake

After two matchdays, the Group L table reads:

Guinea-Bissau — 6 points

Nigeria — 3 points

Madagascar — 1 point

Tanzania — 1 point

Because Tanzania are already qualified as co-hosts, only one additional ticket is available from the group. That leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar battling for the solitary remaining place.

Nigeria’s 2-1 home win over Madagascar was followed by a damaging 3-0 loss in Guinea-Bissau, leaving the Super Eagles three points behind the leaders with four games still to play.

Maximum points from the Tanzania double-header would significantly strengthen their position.

Head-to-Head Record Favours Nigeria

Historically, Nigeria have dominated meetings with Tanzania. The Super Eagles remain unbeaten against the Taifa Stars across all competitions, with a record that includes multiple victories and several draws. Their most recent encounter came at the 2025 AFCON finals, where Lookman scored a memorable goal in a 2-1 group-stage victory.

Nigeria will host the first leg on Friday before travelling for the return fixture four days later. With qualification hopes still very much alive, Chelle’s men must convert their early camp work and star power into results against a Tanzania side determined to play the spoiler.

The Super Eagles resume training later today as the countdown to a pivotal AFCON 2027 qualifying window continues.