Nigeria began preparations for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania with 17 players taking part in the Super Eagles’ opening training session in Uyo.
The three-time African champions opened camp in Akwa Ibom State on Monday, but flight scheduling challenges at Victor Attah International Airport delayed the arrival of several invited players.
Coach Eric Chelle subsequently worked with a reduced squad during Tuesday’s session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as the team stepped up preparations for the two encounters.
Ten players arrived on Tuesday morning, including goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo, while Fulham teammates Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were also among the early arrivals.
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Benjamin Fredrick and Alhassan Yusuf completed the group of players who arrived that morning.
Seven more players were present for the training session, including Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman.
However, Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and first-time invitee Mubarak Suleiman were still expected to join the squad.
Nigeria face crucial Tanzania double-header
Nigeria will host Tanzania on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture at the Amman Stadium on November 17.
The two matches are important to the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, with the team currently sitting second in Group L and targeting maximum points from both encounters.
With only one automatic qualification place available in the group, Nigeria cannot afford to drop points as they pursue a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle will hope to have his full squad available before Friday’s encounter as he looks to prepare his players for the challenge posed by the Taifa Stars.
The Super Eagles will also be looking to build on their recent continental performances after finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria secured the bronze medal after defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout, having fallen short of winning the tournament.
Super Eagles squad for Tanzania fixtures
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), Tochukwu Nnadi (Marseille), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City), Akor Adams (Venezia), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax), Moses Usor (LASK).
