Super Eagles Complete Uyo Camp Ahead of Crucial Tanzania AFCON Qualifier

Super Eagles Complete Uyo Camp Ahead of Crucial Tanzania AFCON Qualifier

Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, have completed their preparations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Tanzania.

All 24 players invited by head coach Eric Chelle have now arrived in camp, giving the coaching crew a full squad to work with before Friday’s important match scheduled for November 13, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The team’s preparations initially experienced a slight delay due to flight scheduling challenges, which prevented some players from arriving on the first day of camp. However, the situation improved as more players reported for duty. Seventeen players participated in the first training session on Tuesday, while the remaining players later joined the squad.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi led the final group of arrivals, alongside Bruno Onyemaechi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor, Abdullahi Bewene and new invitee Suleiman Mubarak.

Other notable players in camp include Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho.

However, Nigeria will be without some key players, including striker Victor Osimhen and winger Samuel Chukwueze, who are unavailable due to injuries. Their absence means other attacking players will have to take greater responsibility in helping the team secure victory.

The Super Eagles are under pressure to perform well following their mixed start to the qualifying campaign. Nigeria began with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their second match. The results have left Nigeria with three points in Group L, behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have six points.

The upcoming encounter against Tanzania is therefore very important for Nigeria’s chances of securing qualification. Although Tanzania have already qualified for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, they are expected to give Nigeria a difficult challenge.

The first meeting will take place in Uyo on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time, while the return leg is scheduled for November 17 in Zanzibar.

Coach Eric Chelle will be hoping that his players make good use of their home advantage, demonstrate teamwork and produce an impressive performance. Nigerian football supporters are also expected to give the team strong encouragement throughout the encounter.

With the full squad now available, the Super Eagles will be determined to secure maximum points from the two matches and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: PUNCH Sports Extra, November 12, 2026, and THISDAY, November 12, 2026.