Eagles face early AFCON 2027 qualifiers test in Uyo

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations face an early test when the Super Eagles host Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, with Eric Chelle’s side needing maximum points to revive their campaign in a group offering only one available qualifying ticket, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After winning one and losing the other of their opening two matches, the Super Eagles cannot afford another slip against a Tanzanian side already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts with Uganda and Kenya.

The pressure on Chelle and his players is heightened by their recent form, having recorded just one victory in their last five internationals, alongside two draws and two defeats. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet during that run, which includes a 3-3 comeback draw away to Russia in a friendly on October 6.

Chelle has insisted that Nigeria must take maximum points from both legs of the double-header against Tanzania to strengthen their chances of securing the group’s only remaining ticket. The return fixture is scheduled for Dar es Salaam four days after Friday’s encounter.

The Super Eagles, however, have a favourable historical record against the Taifa Stars, having won five and drawn three of their eight previous meetings across all competitions. Tanzania are yet to record a victory over Nigeria.

Their most recent meeting came at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Ademola Lookman inspired Nigeria to a 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars.

The teams also met during the qualifying campaign for the 2017 AFCON, drawing 0-0 in Dar es Salaam on September 5, 2015, before Nigeria claimed a 1-0 win in Uyo on September 3, 2016. Despite those results, neither side qualified for the tournament, with Egypt topping the group.

Since that qualifying campaign, Tanzania have made four AFCON appearances and are set for their fifth after securing automatic qualification as co-hosts of the 2027 edition.

Related News

• Williams blames Nigeria’s poor form for Osimhen’s CAF snub
• Bolt invests N140bn in Nigeria
• Olympic Eagles battle Congo in qualifiers

Their coach, Miguel Gamondi, who took charge shortly before the 2025 AFCON, will view the double-header as an opportunity to assess his team and build momentum ahead of the tournament on home soil.

With qualification already secured, the Taifa Stars have less pressure than Nigeria, but they will be eager to end their winless run against the Super Eagles and make a statement ahead of their co-hosting assignment.

For Nigeria, the stakes are considerably higher as they seek to secure a 22nd appearance at the continental showpiece.

The Super Eagles began their Group L campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo in September but suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau days later.

Those contrasting results have left them behind Guinea-Bissau in the standings, with only one additional qualifying place available because of Tanzania’s automatic entry as co-hosts.

Friday’s encounter therefore presents Chelle’s men with an opportunity to put their campaign back on track. They will also need to carry that momentum into the return leg in Tanzania if they are to avoid leaving their qualification hopes hanging on other results.