Nigeria’s Super Eagles will return to action on Friday, November 13, when they host Tanzania in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The Group L Matchday Three encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, with fans able to watch the match live on SuperSport.
Head coach Éric Chelle and his players will be targeting victory after a mixed start to their qualifying campaign.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo. However, they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second match.
Those results leave the Super Eagles second in Group L with three points, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Tanzania occupy third position with one point, level with Madagascar but ahead on goal difference.
Nigeria Must Win to Strengthen Qualification Hopes
Friday’s fixture carries significant importance for Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Consequently, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the group’s remaining qualification ticket.
A victory would take Nigeria to six points and strengthen their position in the race.
However, another disappointing result could complicate the Super Eagles’ qualification prospects.
Super Eagles Begin Preparations in Uyo
Nigeria’s preparations began with delays after changes to flight schedules affected players’ arrival in camp.
The team eventually held its first training session on Tuesday, with 17 of the 24 invited players available.
Among those who joined the session were captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali.
Victor Osimhen is among the notable absentees after being ruled out through injury.
Chelle will hope to have the remaining invited players available before Friday’s encounter.
Tanzania Arrive for Uyo Encounter
Tanzania’s national team, known as the Taifa Stars, have also arrived in Uyo ahead of the match.
The visitors will be looking to use the encounter to strengthen their preparations for next year’s tournament.
Although they have already qualified as co-hosts, the Tanzanians will still want positive results in their remaining group fixtures.
Their opening two matches produced a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and a 1-1 draw against Madagascar.
When Is the Return Fixture?
The two countries will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, in the return leg of their qualifying double-header.
Nigeria will travel to Tanzania for the second encounter as both teams look to complete their November fixtures.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority is securing maximum points in Uyo and keeping their qualification hopes firmly on track.
