Nigeria vs Tanzania LIVE UPDATES: Super Eagles seek crucial victory in Uyo - Premium Times Nigeria
The Super Eagles are set to face Tanzania in Uyo this evening, knowing that a victory is crucial to keeping their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on track.
Nigeria have collected three points from their opening two Group L matches and will be eager to return to winning ways after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their last outing.
The result left Éric Chelle’s men trailing group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points from three matches. As the qualifying race takes shape, Nigeria cannot afford another setback, especially with the prospect of falling further behind the group leaders.
The encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium offers the three-time African champions an opportunity to respond in front of their home supporters, strengthen their position in the group and restore confidence ahead of the return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar.
The Taifa Stars, however, will be keen to make life difficult for the hosts despite already securing their place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. Follow PREMIUM TIMES for live updates, goals, key moments, team news and much more as the Super Eagles battle for three important points in Uyo.
Wilfred Ndidi will captain Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Tanzania in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
Head coach Éric Chelle has named Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick in central defence, while Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal.
Ola Aina and Bweene complete the defensive line, with Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf and Alex Iwobi forming the midfield trio.
Tochukwu Nnadi earns a starting place, making his home debut for the Super Eagles, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams lead Nigeria’s attacking threat.
The Super Eagles will be seeking a victory to revive their qualifying campaign following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing.
Nigeria starting XI: Nwabali, Bassey, Frederick, Aina, Bweene, Ndidi (captain), Alhassan, Iwobi, Nnadi, Lookman, Akor.
Substitutes: Uzoho, Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Tijani, Arokodare, Dele-Bashiru, Usor, Osayi, Nwaiwu, Simon, Okonkwo, Awoniyi.
The National anthems of both countries have been rendered, and all are now set for kickoff!
GOAL!!! Alhassan Yusuf with the opening goal for the Super Eagles
GOAL!!! Tanzania with the equaliser, slack defending by the Super Eagles, and Msanga buries the ball in the net for the Tafia Stars
CHANCE! Lookman almost gets the second goal for Nigeria, but the Tanzania defender makes a late and crucial intervention to deflect the ball away 40 minutes: Nigeria 1-1 Tanzania
Five minutes before half-time, can the Super Eagles end the first half on a bright note with another goal???
Injury scare for Ademola Lookman as he receives medical attention on the pitch. Not looking good for Lookman at the moment
CHANCE! Akor comes close, but his effort glides across the face of goal
GOALLL!!! Tolu Arokodare puts Nigeria back in front with a stylish backheel
GOAL!! Second goal for Arokodare as he makes it 3-1 for Nigeria
CHANCE! Arokodare was close to getting a hat trick, but he shot directly at the Tanzania goalkeeper, who is making his 67th appearance for the national team
Tolu Arokodare’s last six games for club and country: ⚽️ vs. Atalanta ⚽️ vs. Sparta Rotterdam ⚽️ vs. AZ Alkmaar ⚽️⚽️ vs. Midtjylland ⚽️ vs. Twente ⚽️⚽️ vs. Tanzania 🇹🇿
Chelle makes another late change as Semi Ajayi comes in for Ola Aina. Both players ply their trade in the Premier League with Hull City and Nottingham Forest respectively
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
