Eric Chelle Names Super Eagles Starting XI For Crucial AFCON Clash Against Tanzania

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has announced the Super Eagles’ starting line-up for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, Wilfred Ndidi will captain the Nigerian side in the match, which is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 13, as the team seeks a crucial victory to improve its position in Group L.

Stanley Nwabali will retain his position in goal, while Ola Aina and Abdullahi Bewene have been selected as the full-backs. Calvin Bassey will partner Benjamin Frederick in central defence.

Ndidi will anchor the midfield alongside Alhassan Yusuf and Alex Iwobi, while Tochukwu Nnadi has earned a starting spot for his home debut with the senior national team.

In attack, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams will lead Nigeria’s efforts as Chelle looks to secure all three points in front of the home supporters.

The Super Eagles enter the encounter under pressure after collecting three points from their opening two qualifying matches. Nigeria started the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

Meanwhile, Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Kenya. Their automatic qualification means Nigeria and the other teams in Group L are competing for the remaining automatic qualification spot.

Following Friday’s encounter, the Super Eagles will travel to Dar es Salaam to face Tanzania in the return fixture, scheduled for four days later.

Nigeria’s starting XI features Stanley Nwabali in goal; Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Frederick, Ola Aina and Abdullahi Bewene in defence; Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi and Tochukwu Nnadi in midfield; while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams lead the attack.

The substitutes named for the encounter are Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Tijani, Tolu Arokodare, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Usor, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Nwaiwu, Moses Simon, Okonkwo and Taiwo Awoniyi.