Super Eagles Welcome Final Arrivals as Preparations Intensify for Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers

The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with all 24 invited players now in camp ahead of the two encounters.

The full squad assembled on Wednesday after flight scheduling challenges at the Victor Attah International Airport delayed the arrival of some players on Monday, disrupting the team’s initial preparations.

While 17 players participated in Tuesday’s training session, the remaining seven, led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, joined the squad on Wednesday in time for their second training exercise.

Ndidi arrived alongside Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and first-time invitee Mubarak Suleiman.

Ten players had earlier reported to camp on Tuesday morning.

They included 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 other players, namely Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman, also took part in Tuesday’s training session, bringing the number of available players to 17.

With the remaining players now in camp, head coach Eric Chelle is expected to have the full complement of his squad as the team intensifies preparations for the important fixtures.

However, the Nigerian side will be without some key players, including striker Victor Osimhen, who is missing his second consecutive AFCON qualifying window because of injury.

Winger Samuel Chukwueze is also unavailable due to injury, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was left out of the latest squad.

The Super Eagles will host Tanzania in the first leg of the double-header on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return encounter four days later.

The two matches are considered crucial to Nigeria’s ambition of securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON, particularly given the team’s inconsistent start to the qualifying campaign.

Nigeria currently have three points from their opening two Group L matches.

They began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

The results have left the Super Eagles in second position behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, increasing the pressure on the team to secure maximum points from the upcoming fixtures.

Tanzania, meanwhile, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as one of the co-host nations.

Their qualification means only one additional ticket is available from Group L.

Consequently, Nigeria must avoid further setbacks if they hope to maintain control of their qualification campaign and secure a place at the continental tournament.

The Super Eagles will therefore approach both encounters with the determination to collect all six available points and strengthen their position in the group.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, making it the first edition of the competition to be staged across three countries.

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