Pray for Tanzania: Nigeria Super Eagles get complete squad for must-win qualifier

Captain Wilfred Ndidi led the final group of arrivals, joining Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and new invitee Mubarak Suleiman.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have completed their 24-man squad in Uyo ahead of Friday’s crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania.

The Super Eagles announced the full arrival on social media, posting: “The Eagles Nest is now complete!”

Their arrival completed Eric Chelle’s squad after flight scheduling challenges delayed several players and disrupted Nigeria’s opening preparations in Uyo.

The defensive options include Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Abdullahi Bewene.

In midfield, Chelle can call on Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Tijani Samson and Mubarak Suleiman.

Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Moses Usor, Suleiman Mubarak and Abdullahi Bewene make up the attacking options.

The Eagles Nest is now complete! https://t.co/aJFRH8241T

Despite the full house, Nigeria remain without several major names.

Victor Osimhen is absent through injury after undergoing knee surgery, while Samuel Chukwueze is also sidelined. 

Victor Osimhen picked up the injury in the UCL. Maduka Okoye was not included in Chelle’s squad, while Kelechi Iheanacho was left out despite his form for Bursaspor.

Fans reacted strongly to the squad news, with one writing: “Pray for Tanzania.”

Another joked: “We now have two Semi Ajayi in Super Eagles?” after Semi Ajayi appeared twice in the official list.

One fan asked: “Where is Gift Orban? This is not fair,” while another questioned Osimhen’s absence.

One supporter summed up the mood: “It’s still incomplete without Victor.”

Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

Eric Chelle in a must-win clash. The Super Eagles sit second in Group L on three points, behind Guinea-Bissau, after beating Madagascar 2-1 and losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau. 

Tanzania have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to fight for the group’s remaining ticket.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi in training. Chelle now has his full squad available, but the real test begins on Friday night in Uyo.