2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Under Pressure Chelle Without Osimhen Once Again as Super Eagles Face Tanzania in Crucial Double-Header
Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a crucial test of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification ambitions when they meet Tanzania over two legs in November, with Victor Osimhen set to miss another international assignment.
The November 13 and 17 fixtures offer head coach Eric Chelle an opportunity to revive Nigeria’s campaign after a disappointing start that has left the three-time African champions trailing Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau. The results leave the Super Eagles with three points, three behind the group leaders.
Osimhen’s continued absence is another concern for Chelle. The Galatasaray striker missed both September qualifiers through injury and will again be unavailable following a knee problem sustained during his club’s European campaign.
His absence was felt in Bissau, where Nigeria struggled to convert their attacking possession into meaningful opportunities and were comprehensively beaten.
Chelle must now demonstrate that the Super Eagles can remain competitive without their leading goalscorer. Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor provide attacking alternatives, but greater collective efficiency will be required.
Chelle Names 24 Players for Tanzania Tests
The Super Eagles coach has selected 24 players for the double-header, blending established internationals with emerging options.
Goalkeepers:: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo.
Defenders:: Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Abdullahi Bewene.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani, Mubarak Suleiman.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor.
The returns of Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru strengthen the midfield options, while the invitations to Samson Tijani and Mubarak Suleiman provide opportunities for younger players.
Arthur Okonkwo’s inclusion also adds another option in goal, alongside Nwabali and Uzoho.
Nigeria’s Tanzania Double-Header
The first encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on November 13, before the teams meet again in Zanzibar on November 17.
Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, are already assured of a place at the tournament. However, their participation in the qualifiers remains important to the Group L standings.
Only the highest-ranked team among the remaining three countries in the group will join the co-hosts at the finals.
Nigeria therefore need maximum points from the two encounters to strengthen their position and prevent Guinea-Bissau from extending their advantage.
Other AFCON Qualifying Fixtures to Watch
The November international window also features several attractive contests across the continent.
Côte d’Ivoire face Gambia in a potentially decisive double-header, while Mali meet Rwanda in another contest involving two ambitious sides.
Other notable fixtures include Senegal against Sudan, South Africa versus Kenya, Morocco against Niger, Egypt versus Malawi and Cameroon against Namibia.
Ghana also face a difficult assignment against Somalia after losing their opening two matches. The Black Stars need a positive response to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Chelle’s Response Under Scrutiny
For Nigeria, the immediate priority is to address the shortcomings exposed in Bissau. The Super Eagles need greater attacking cohesion, midfield control and defensive discipline, particularly against a Tanzania side capable of making the contest uncomfortable.
Osimhen’s absence removes a significant attacking weapon, but it also provides an opportunity for other forwards to assume greater responsibility.
With their qualification campaign already under pressure, Chelle and his players cannot afford another costly setback.
The Tanzania double-header is an important measure of Nigeria’s readiness to respond to adversity and maintain their place in the race for the 2027 AFCON.
