AFCON Qualifier: We are focused on beating Tanzania, says Chelle

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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria are determined to secure maximum points from their two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Tanzania as they seek to revive their campaign.

The three-time African champions face the Taifa Stars in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November.

Nigeria head into the double-header under pressure after a mixed start to their Group L campaign, having recorded a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

The results have left the Super Eagles needing a strong response to keep their qualification hopes on track for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have stressed the importance of winning both encounters, with the coach insisting that the players are determined to put the defeat to Guinea-Bissau behind them.

“We must work hard in these two matches and do everything to win. It is important to sustain the hope, and all the players are in that mood to banish the memory of that defeat to Guinea-Bissau and show their true quality.

“The spirit in camp is high, and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian tactician will, however, have to manage his attacking options without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out after sustaining an injury while playing for his Turkish club, Galatasaray.

In the striker’s absence, Nigeria will look to Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare to provide the goals against Tanzania.

Arokodare, who plays for Ajax in the Netherlands, is among the attacking options expected to shoulder more responsibility, alongside experienced forward Moses Simon.

Chelle also has several options for a possible reshuffle in midfield and defence, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani and Tochukwu Nnadi among them.

Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene are also expected to provide defensive alternatives.

Tanzania, meanwhile, will be hoping to frustrate the hosts and take advantage of their own attacking options, including experienced forward Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu and Bernard Kamungo.

The second encounter will take place at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, with Nigeria aware that victories in both matches would significantly strengthen their position in the qualification race.

For the Super Eagles, Friday’s meeting offers a chance to respond to their setback against Guinea-Bissau and restore confidence in their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON finals.

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czechia)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France); Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Mubarak Suleiman (SK Slavia Prague, Czechia)

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria)

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini

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