The Super Eagles have been handed a lifeline in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar on Thursday.
Warren Caddy put Madagascar ahead a minute before the hour mark, and Guinea-Bissau needed a late equaliser from Renato Nhaga, six minutes from time, to leave with a point.
- Guinea-Bissau top Group L on seven points from three matches
- Nigeria are second on three points from two matches
- A win over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday takes Nigeria to six points, one behind the leaders
Photo: The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria host Tanzania on Friday — Wikimedia Commons
What the draw means for Nigeria
Guinea-Bissau had won their opening two matches, including a 3-0 victory over Nigeria, and a win on Thursday would have stretched their lead to nine points.
Instead, Eric Chelle's side can now close the gap to a single point at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, with kick-off at 5pm.
Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar fighting for the group's one remaining ticket.
What happens next for the Super Eagles
All 24 invited players are in camp in Uyo for Friday's match, though Victor Osimhen is out with a knee injury and Maduka Okoye was dropped from the squad.
Nigeria then travel to face Tanzania again in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, on the same day Guinea-Bissau host Madagascar in the return fixture.
Credit: Vanguard and Complete Sports reports of November 12, 2026.
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