14 More Players Expected as Super Eagles Begin Preparations for Tanzania Double-Header

Posted : 12 November 2026

The Super Eagles have intensified preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with 17 players participating in the team's first training session in Uyo on Tuesday.

The development follows the arrival of 10 players at the team's camp earlier in the day. However, flight scheduling challenges at Victor Attah International Airport disrupted the initial arrival arrangements and delayed the start of preparations.

The early arrivals included goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, and midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Other players who joined the squad were goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Benjamin Fredrick and Alhassan Yusuf.

Seven additional players subsequently joined the group for training, bringing the total number of available players to 17 out of the 24 invited by head coach Éric Chelle.

Those who joined later included Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman.

Meanwhile, seven players were still expected to arrive in camp as preparations continued. They are captain Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and first-time invitee Mubarak Suleiman.

Chelle will be hoping to have his full squad available before Friday's opening encounter as the technical crew works on the team's tactical organisation and match readiness.

Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

The double-header carries significant importance for Nigeria's qualification campaign. The Super Eagles currently occupy second position in Group L with three points from two matches.

They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau away from home.

With Guinea-Bissau leading the group, Chelle's men need maximum points from the two encounters to strengthen their chances of securing the available qualification ticket.

Tanzania, meanwhile, have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament's co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.

The Super Eagles will therefore be under pressure to deliver positive results in both fixtures as they pursue another appearance at the continental championship.

14 More Players Expected as Super Eagles Begin Preparations for Tanzania Double-Header

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