Nigeria's Super Eagles need maximum points from their two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania to keep alive their hopes of a place at the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The first match takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with the return fixture at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 17 November.

The three-time African champions have had an uneven campaign so far. They beat Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September after coming from behind, but four days later suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau that left their qualification chances hanging by a thread. Head coach Éric Chelle has said the squad is determined to erase that loss, stressing that the team is in good spirits and focused on winning both matches.S1S2

Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who was injured while playing for Galatasaray. Chelle is expected to rely on Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Moses Simon for the attacking threat. Arokodare has scored 13 goals across the Dutch league and the UEFA Conference League this season. In defence and midfield, Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Abdullahi Bewene, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani and Tochukwu Nnadi are among those competing for places.S1S2

Tanzania, coached by Argentine Miguel Ángel Gamondi, will look to experienced striker Mbwana Samatta, along with Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu and Bernard Kamungo, to deliver against the Super Eagles. Nigeria's immediate goal is to secure victory in Uyo before travelling to Zanzibar for the second leg.S1S2