Photo: The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo — Wikimedia Commons
The Super Eagles host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo today, Friday, in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier Nigeria can barely afford not to win. Kick-off is 4pm Nigerian time, per The Sun's match preview.
Nigeria sit second in Group L on three points, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, whose 1-1 draw with Madagascar on Thursday means a win today closes the gap to a single point.
- Nigeria are second on 3 points; Guinea-Bissau lead on 7 after Thursday's draw
- Victor Osimhen (knee surgery) and Samuel Chukwueze (hip) are both out
- Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams
Why today's Tanzania match is close to a must-win
A disastrous 3-0 defeat in Bissau on matchday two left Nigeria chasing the group. Tanzania, who have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, sit bottom of the group but have nothing to lose.
Uyo has been kind to the Eagles, who have won their last three matches at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, including September's 2-1 victory over Madagascar that earned their three points.
Head coach Eric Chelle has told his players to win both games of this double-header, with the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
Who leads the Super Eagles attack without Osimhen
With Osimhen recovering from knee surgery and Chukwueze still returning from hip surgery, the goals burden falls on Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams, with Tolu Arokodare and Moses Simon also in the squad.
Previews project Chelle's favoured 4-4-2 diamond, with captain Wilfred Ndidi anchoring midfield behind Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi, and Lookman playing behind Awoniyi and Adams. These are predicted line-ups, not confirmed teams.
Tanzania are without the injured Clement Mzize and Dickson Job, and captain Mbwana Samatta was not included in their squad; Aishi Manula is expected in goal with Simon Msuva leading their attack.
What happens next
A win moves Nigeria to six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau, with the group's one remaining ticket then decided across the return in Zanzibar and the final matchdays. Anything less leaves the Eagles relying on results elsewhere.
NewsTweetNaija will carry the result and reaction as a new SUPER EAGLES chapter tonight.
Credit: The Sun and Sports Mole match previews, November 12-13, 2026.
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