Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun gathering in Akwa Ibom State ahead of a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania. Invited players were expected to report to camp on Monday, 9 November, with the first training session scheduled for Tuesday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, according to Complete Sports and The Sun.
Head coach Éric Chelle and his players have little room for error. After two rounds of Group L matches, Nigeria have three points, and a poor week could leave their hopes of reaching the tournament in East Africa hanging by a thread.
Fixtures: Uyo on Friday, Zanzibar on Tuesday
The home leg is fixed for Friday, 13 November, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, a ground where the Super Eagles have traditionally enjoyed strong support. The teams then meet again on Tuesday, 17 November, with Blueprint and Complete Sports reporting that the return fixture will be played at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. One outlet, The Sun, placed the second match in Dar es Salaam, but the two other reports agree on Zanzibar. Kick-off times had not been announced at the time of writing.
Reports differ slightly on the base: Complete Sports and The Sun describe the camp as being in Uyo, while Blueprint says the team’s residence is in nearby Ikot Ekpene.
Busy week for the camp
The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, has outlined a programme for the week, Blueprint reported. Tuesday’s training session will be open to journalists, players are expected to be available for interviews at the team’s base on Wednesday, and the pre-match press conference will hold on Thursday at the media centre of the Uyo stadium. Exact times are to be shared a day before each activity.
Accreditation requests for the home game close at 2pm on Tuesday, with cards to be issued at the stadium on Thursday. Each media organisation will be allowed one slot.
The squad and the absentees
Chelle named a 24-man squad at the weekend, with captain Wilfred Ndidi leading a group that includes Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Moses Simon and Taiwo Awoniyi. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo were called up, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf return to the fold. Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi earned a maiden invitation.
The biggest absence is Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with a knee injury that requires surgery. No direct replacement was named, leaving Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor and Awoniyi to share the striking burden alongside Lookman. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were also left out, without official explanation.
What is at stake in Group L
Nigeria opened the group with a 2-1 home win over Madagascar in Uyo but then suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, who top the table with six points, according to Blueprint. Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, which means only one further qualification ticket is available from the group.
That arithmetic makes the Tanzania games critical. Two wins would put the Super Eagles firmly back in the race with Guinea-Bissau; anything less could leave them depending on other results. With Tanzania having little to lose, Chelle will expect his attackers to take their chances, especially in Osimhen’s absence.
What happens next
The full squad is expected to train together from Tuesday, with Chelle likely to address the media on Thursday on how he plans to replace Osimhen’s goals. Friday’s home game in Uyo will set the tone for the return trip to Tanzania, and supporters in Akwa Ibom are expected to turn out in numbers. Flashinfong will bring updates from the camp and both matches.
Sources: Blueprint, Complete Sports, The Sun.
