NGA VS TAN: Match Preview, Teams News And Predicted Lineups For AFCON Qualifier Match

According to a report by Sports Mole on Thursday November 12, 2026, Nigeria welcome Tanzania to Uyo on Friday, knowing another disappointing result could seriously damage their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Their embarrassing defeat in Bissau has dropped the Super Eagles to second in Group L, three points behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, while Tanzania remain bottom despite qualifying automatically.

Missing out on the 2026 World Cup after losing their African playoff against DR Congo was disappointing, making another unsuccessful qualification campaign particularly difficult for Nigerian supporters.

With Tanzania already guaranteed participation as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria must secure maximum points on Friday to strengthen their chances of topping Group L.

After recovering from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening match, Eric Chelle’s team suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss against Guinea-Bissau.

Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored during that encounter, handing Nigeria their heaviest defeat in the fixture and exposing serious weaknesses within the team.

The Super Eagles have managed just one victory across their previous five international matches, recording two draws and suffering two defeats without keeping a single clean sheet.

That disappointing sequence also includes their entertaining 3-3 comeback draw against Russia during an international friendly played away from home on October 6.

Facing increasing pressure, Chelle has emphasised that Nigeria must win both encounters against Tanzania, warning that dropped points would complicate their qualification ambitions considerably.

The return meeting takes place in Zanzibar four days after Friday’s showdown, making victory in Uyo particularly important for the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign.

However, Nigeria can draw encouragement from their home performances, having won their previous three matches at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, including September’s victory over Madagascar.

Tanzania arrive in Nigeria without qualification pressure because their position as tournament co-hosts guarantees participation, although they remain determined to achieve their first-ever victory against the Super Eagles.

The Taifa Stars have struggled against Nigeria historically, drawing twice and losing four times across their previous six meetings against the West African nation.

Their most recent defeat came during the opening matchday of the 2025 AFCON, when Nigeria secured a narrow 2-1 victory over their East African opponents.

Tanzania’s recent performances also suggest another difficult evening, with Miguel Angel Gamondi’s team recording just one victory across their previous fifteen competitive appearances.

Their only success during that disappointing period was a convincing 6-0 friendly victory against Macao during March’s FIFA Series international competition.

Gamondi’s team subsequently began their qualifying campaign poorly, losing 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau before recovering slightly with a 1-1 draw against Madagascar.

They will consequently travel to Uyo hoping to end their disappointing run, although overcoming Nigeria away from home represents a considerable challenge.

Nigeria have suffered several selection setbacks, with Victor Osimhen unavailable while continuing his recovery from knee surgery, alongside Samuel Chukwueze, who underwent hip surgery.

Semi Ajayi has joined the national team after experiencing cramp during Hull City’s defeat against Arsenal, although his condition requires assessment before Friday’s encounter.

Moses Usor remains included in the squad despite reports of an injury concern, while George Ilenikhena misses out because of fitness problems.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward previously scored during his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar, making his absence another disappointment for Chelle ahead of this fixture.

Consequently, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams could occupy the attacking positions in Nigeria’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation, although Tolu Arokodare provides another alternative.

Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho are notable absentees, while Francis Uzoho returns to the squad and Mubarak Suleiman receives his maiden senior international invitation.

Tanzania have also experienced injury problems, with Clement Mzize and Dickson Job withdrawing from the squad before Iddi Nado received a replacement invitation.

Captain Mbwana Samatta has been excluded from the 24-man selection, while Aishi Manula is expected to guard the goal and Simon Msuva could spearhead their attack.

Nigeria possible starting lineup: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Dele-Bashiru, Iwobi; Lookman; Awoniyi, Adams.

Tanzania possible starting lineup: Manula; Chilambo, Lukanima, Mwamnyeto, Mnoga; Mao, Mabula, Salum; Kachwele, Msuva, Kibu.

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