Super Eagles Face Preparation Setback As Players Miss Scheduled Arrival Ahead Of Tanzania Clash

Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter between Nigeria and Tanzania have suffered a setback following reported changes to flight schedules that delayed the arrival of players from both teams in Uyo.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Tanzania on Friday, but the disruption has affected the planned arrival of players and raised concerns over the time available for preparations ahead of the crucial fixture.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle arrived in Uyo in the early hours of Monday and was later joined by one of his assistants, Daniel Ogunmodede. However, the players were yet to report to camp as of Monday evening.

Sources in Uyo disclosed that officials waited at Victor Attah International Airport throughout Monday but did not receive any Super Eagles player.

One source reportedly explained that the officials checked the passenger manifest of the last flight to arrive that day, only to discover that none of the invited players was on board.

Tanzania’s national team, the Taifa Stars, also experienced a change in their travel arrangements. The team, initially expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday, was rescheduled to land on Tuesday.

The delay comes as both countries prepare for an important Group L encounter, although Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Their qualification means only one additional ticket is available from the group.

Tanzania have struggled in their opening two matches, losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau before recording a 1-1 draw against Madagascar.

Nigeria, meanwhile, currently occupy second position in Group L with three points from two matches. The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Chelle will be hoping to assemble his squad as quickly as possible to give the players sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming double-header against Tanzania, with Nigeria seeking maximum points to strengthen their chances of claiming the group’s remaining qualification spot.

The Nigerian coach had announced a 24-man squad on Saturday but will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the fixture because of injury. The Galatasaray forward also missed the team’s previous two qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September.

Other players invited include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Frederick, midfielders Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijani, as well as forwards Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Turkey-based defender Chibuike Nwaiwu and Czechia-based wing-back Abdullahi Bewene are also among the players selected for the qualifiers.