NGA VS TAN: 2 Brilliant Decisions Eric Chelle Made Ahead Of Today’s AFCON Qualifiers Match

According to a post shared on Super Eagles official X account on Friday, November 13th, 2026, Nigeria host Tanzania today in a key AFCON 2027 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles need a strong result to stay in the fight for qualification after a mixed start to the group. With Victor Osimhen out injured, head coach Eric Chelle had big choices to make in attack. The starting lineup he named shows two smart calls that could decide the game.

First, Chelle chose to start Ademola Lookman up front alongside Akor Adams in a clear two-striker setup. Lookman has not scored much for Atletico Madrid this season and even sat out a recent big match. Many fans wondered if he should start. Chelle ignored the club form and trusted what he knows about the player. Lookman has pace, close control, and the ability to create chances or finish them himself.

He knows how to hurt defences in tight spaces and has delivered big moments for Nigeria before. Pairing him with a pure striker like Adams gives the team two different threats. Lookman can drop deep or drift wide to link play while Adams stays central to attack the ball. This setup should stretch Tanzania’s defence and create more openings than a single striker system.

The second smart decision was picking Akor Adams to lead the line ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare. With Osimhen missing, all three strikers had a case. Awoniyi has Premier League experience and Arokodare has been useful for Ajax. Yet Adams has been steady this season and recently scored a late equaliser for Nigeria in the friendly against Russia.

He works hard, holds the ball well under pressure, and times his runs into the box. Chelle clearly sees him as the best option right now to replace Osimhen’s presence. Starting Adams shows the coach is rewarding current form and fitness rather than just big names or past reputation.

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