Nigeria host Tanzania in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifier on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the Super Eagles aiming to recover from their heavy defeat by Guinea-Bissau and strengthen their position before the return fixture in Dar-es-Salaam.
Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points from two matches. Nigeria are second on three points, having won one and lost one, while Madagascar are third with one point. Tanzania are bottom, also on one point after a draw and a defeat, but behind Madagascar on goals scored.
A win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is therefore important for the Taifa Stars’ qualification hopes.
The match will kick off at 17:00 WAT and will be broadcast across Sub-Saharan Africa on SuperSport and AfroSport TV, as well as through digital streaming platforms.
Form and standings
Nigeria’s last five matches have produced one win, two draws and two defeats. They drew 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly on 6 October 2026, lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau on 29 September, beat Madagascar 2-1 on 25 September, lost 2-1 to Portugal on 10 June and drew 2-2 with Poland on 3 June.
Tanzania have won one, drawn one and lost three of their past five games. They drew 1-1 with Madagascar on 29 September and lost 2-0 at home to Guinea-Bissau on 25 September in their opening Group L fixtures. They beat Macao 6-0 on 29 March, lost 1-0 to Liechtenstein on 26 March and were beaten 1-0 by Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on 4 January.
Nigeria have never lost to Tanzania in 11 previous meetings. The Super Eagles have won seven and drawn four, with their most recent meeting ending in a 2-1 Nigeria victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
The complete record is:
- 1972: Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania; Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania; Nigeria 3-2 Tanzania - 1973: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania - 1976: Nigeria 0-0 Tanzania - 1980: Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania; Nigeria 1-1 Tanzania; Tanzania 0-2 Nigeria - 2015: Tanzania 0-0 Nigeria - 2016: Nigeria 1-0 Tanzania - 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
Expected line-ups
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle could use a 4-3-3 system, with Stanley Nwabali in goal. Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected to form the defence.
Wilfred Ndidi is predicted to operate as the defensive midfielder, alongside Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Simon could lead the attack.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi is expected to select a 4-2-3-1 formation. Aishi Manula is the predicted goalkeeper, behind Nathaniel Chilambo, Dickson Job, Bakari Nwamnyeto and Novatus Miroshi.
Himid Mao and Alphonce Mabula could play in midfield, with Feisal Salum in the attacking midfield role. Cyprian Kachwele, Simon Msuva and Kibu Denis are expected to complete the line-up.
Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, is likely to be one of Nigeria’s main attacking outlets. The Atletico Madrid forward’s pace, dribbling and finishing could prove decisive against Tanzania’s expected compact defensive shape.
Bassey will also be important to Nigeria’s defensive structure. The Fulham and Super Eagles defender offers recovery speed, physical strength, aerial ability and progressive passing from the left side of defence.
For Tanzania, Feisal Salum of Azam FC is expected to provide creativity through his vision, set-piece delivery and combination play. Miroshi, who plays for Goztepe S.K. in Turkey, will be tasked with helping contain Nigeria’s wide threats while providing an outlet during transitions.
Nigeria are strong favourites because of their greater attacking quality, defensive organisation and home advantage. Tanzania are expected to keep the match tight early on, but the predicted score is Nigeria 2-0 Tanzania.