Iwobi, Aina, Simon, 7 others lead early Super Eagles arrivals in Uyo ahead of Tanzania clash

Spread the word The Super Eagles have begun arriving in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with several established internationals among the early arrivals.

Defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Moses Simon and Benjamin Fredrick are among the players who have reported to camp, as preparations gather momentum for the two encounters, blueprint reports.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and other invited players are also expected to join the team as head coach Éric Chelle assembles his squad for the fixtures.

The team’s first training session, initially scheduled for earlier in the day, has been fixed for 7pm on Tuesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The adjustment follows delays and changes to flight schedules that affected the arrival of some invited players.

The Franco-Malian tactician is preparing the three-time African champions for two important Group L fixtures against Tanzania, with Nigeria needing maximum points to strengthen their qualification prospects.

The first leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, while the return encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar.

Chelle and his technical crew arrived in Uyo ahead of the players, with the coaching staff expected to use the limited time available to work on the team’s tactical organisation, fitness and match preparation.

The double-header comes at a critical stage of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign following an inconsistent start that has left the Super Eagles needing a strong response.

Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau away from home.

The results left the Super Eagles with three points from their opening two matches, behind Guinea-Bissau, who have six points.

Tanzania, meanwhile, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. The Taifa Stars are participating in the qualifying campaign as part of their preparations, leaving only one additional qualification place available in Group L.

This makes the two matches particularly important for Nigeria, who cannot afford another damaging setback in their pursuit of a place at the continental tournament.

One of the major talking points surrounding Chelle’s squad is the absence of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who has been sidelined by injury.

The striker also missed Nigeria’s previous two qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, leaving the coaching crew to explore alternative attacking combinations.

Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and Moses Simon are among the attacking options available to the coach.

The return of experienced players such as Iwobi and Simon is also expected to provide leadership and creativity as Nigeria seek to improve their attacking output.

Iwobi and Simon have both made more than 100 appearances for the national team, bringing considerable international experience into the squad.

Ajayi’s arrival will equally be monitored after the defender was substituted in the 69th minute during Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend. His presence in camp offers some reassurance, although his fitness will be important for the technical crew to assess before the first encounter.

The Taifa Stars have also arrived in Uyo ahead of the opening fixture, setting the stage for the first meeting between the two countries in the November international window.

Tanzania’s arrival followed earlier changes to their travel arrangements, with the team expected to use the remaining days to settle down and prepare for the encounter.

Although already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, Tanzania will be keen to use the matches against Nigeria to test their squad and build competitive momentum ahead of the tournament.

For Nigeria, however, the stakes are different.

The Super Eagles need to improve their position in Group L and avoid allowing Guinea-Bissau to pull further away in the race for the remaining qualification ticket.

With the first match scheduled for Friday, Chelle will be hoping to have his full complement of players available for training as quickly as possible.

The opening session at 7pm is expected to mark the beginning of the team’s intensive preparations for the encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.