Super Eagles Begin Tanzania Clash Preparations As 17 Players Arrive In Uyo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with 17 players reporting for the team’s first training session in Uyo on Tuesday, November 10.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the team’s preparations began with a reduced number of players following flight scheduling challenges at Victor Attah International Airport, which reportedly delayed the arrival of several invited footballers.

Ten players arrived in camp on Tuesday morning, including goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo, Fulham teammates Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Benjamin Fredrick and Alhassan Yusuf.

Seven additional players also joined the squad, namely Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman, bringing the total number of available players to 17.

The remaining seven invited players expected to join the camp are Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and first-time invitee Mubarak Suleiman.

Nigeria will welcome Tanzania to Uyo on Friday before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture scheduled to take place four days later.

The upcoming encounters are crucial for the Super Eagles, who currently occupy second position in Group L with three points from their opening two qualifying matches.

Nigeria started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their subsequent away fixture.

The Super Eagles will therefore be seeking positive results against Tanzania to strengthen their chances of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON.

Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the tournament as one of its co-hosts, leaving only one additional qualification ticket available in Group L.

With the qualification race becoming increasingly important, Nigeria will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage in Uyo before facing Tanzania again in Dar es Salaam.