Get Guardian on GoogleSuper Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has arrived in Uyo ahead of the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.
Chelle arrived in Nigeria on Monday morning and travelled to Uyo via the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.
The Franco-Malian was accompanied by his assistant, Hedi Taboubi, as they travelled to the team base in Ikot-Ekpene.
Eric Chelle faces a stern Tanzania test as the Super Eagles look to get their AFCON qualifier back on track.
The Super Eagles are in dire need of maximum points in the double-header against the Taifa Stars; otherwise, they risk missing out on qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau on matchday two has put the team in a difficult spot as the Djurtus lead Group L of the qualification series with six points after two matches.
Given the peculiarity of the group, only one team will qualify, as Tanzania has already sealed qualification as one of the hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The situation leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to contend for the sole ticket, with the Djurtus already leading the race heading into matchday two.
Meanwhile, Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the double header with a couple of notable absentees, including Victor Osimhen, who is nursing a knee injury.
Kelechi Ihenacho, despite his brilliant run of form for Bursaspor and his impact in the three-all draw against Russia in October, did not make Eric Chelle’s team for the qualifier.
The Super Eagles will take on Tanzania in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, with the return fixture billed for the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Nigeria last met Tanzania in their opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles.
