Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun preparations for their important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against Tanzania, with players arriving in camp ahead of Friday’s first-leg match in Uyo.
The team opened its training activities on Tuesday after delays affected the arrival of some invited players.
According to Punch Sports Extra, 17 of the 24 invited players were available during the early stages of the preparations.
The arrival of the players had been affected by flight scheduling challenges at the Victor Attah International Airport, which disrupted activities planned for the first day of camp.
Among those who arrived were goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Benjamin Fredrick and Alhassan Yusuf.
Other players spotted during the training session included Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman.
The remaining invited players were expected to join the squad as preparations continued.
Nigeria face important double-header
The Super Eagles are preparing for two meetings with Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The first leg is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
The teams will meet again in the return fixture in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, November 17.
The two matches are important for Nigeria as the team seeks to strengthen its position in Group L and improve its chances of reaching the continental tournament.
The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo. However, their progress suffered a setback after they lost 3–0 to Guinea-Bissau away from home.
Those results left Nigeria with three points from two matches, behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who had won their opening fixtures.
Tanzania are also competing in the group, although they have already secured a place at the 2027 tournament because they are among the co-host nations alongside Kenya and Uganda.
This means the remaining qualification race in the group is particularly important for Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.
Super Eagles need positive results
Nigeria will be targeting maximum points from the two matches to improve its position in the group.
A victory in Uyo would take the Super Eagles to six points and provide an important boost before the return fixture in Tanzania.
However, the team will need to approach the encounter carefully, particularly after its disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
The coaching crew will also be monitoring the condition and availability of players as the squad becomes complete.
The return of key players to the training camp is expected to help the team improve its coordination and prepare for the challenges posed by Tanzania.
The Super Eagles will also need to make better use of their attacking opportunities while maintaining defensive discipline throughout the encounter.
Fans expect a strong performance
The upcoming match is expected to attract considerable attention from Nigerian football supporters, who will be hoping to see a convincing performance from the national team.
Playing at home gives Nigeria an opportunity to secure three important points, but the team must demonstrate consistency and avoid the mistakes that affected its previous away fixture.
The NFF has confirmed that the first-leg match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, November 13, at 5pm.
With the two teams scheduled to meet again four days later, the outcome of the first match could influence the confidence and approach of both sides in the return fixture.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority is to secure a positive result in Uyo and keep its qualification campaign on track.
The Super Eagles will need a collective effort from the players, coaching staff and supporters as they pursue a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
