Nigeria vs Tanzania Prediction: AFCON 2027 Qualifier Preview

Our Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction is a Super Eagles win in Uyo, but not a comfortable one. The AFCON 2027 qualifier is on Friday, 13 November 2026, and Nigeria need points after a 3-0 defeat in Bissau. Below you’ll find the squad, team news, form, Group L stakes and our hedged betting angles for the first leg.

When and where is Nigeria vs Tanzania?

Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November 2026. The return leg is four days later, on Tuesday, 17 November.

• Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania, AFCON 2027 qualifying, Group L Matchday 3
• Date: Friday, 13 November 2026
• Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

The dates and venue come from the squad announcements reported by Voice of Nigeria and BusinessDay on 7 November, and the return leg is listed at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar. We had not found a confirmed kick-off time at the time of writing, so check our Super Eagles fixtures page for the time in Nigerian time (WAT) once it is announced.

Who is in Nigeria’s squad for Tanzania?

Eric Chelle has named 24 players, with Wilfred Ndidi as captain. Victor Osimhen is not in the group, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is also left out.

• Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton), Francis Uzoho (Omonia), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
• Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava)
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), Tochukwu Nnadi (Marseille), Samson Tijani (Podbrezova), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague)
• Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry), Akor Adams (Venezia), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax), Moses Usor (LASK)

The list was reported by Peoples Gazette and Sporting Tribune, and both gave the same 24 names. Peoples Gazette also noted that Osimhen is injured and that Kelechi Iheanacho was not included. The full group is on our Super Eagles squad page.

What form are Nigeria in?

Nigeria’s form is mixed. They beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau, and then drew 3-3 with Russia in a friendly.

The defeat in Bissau was the damaging one, because it left the Super Eagles second in Group L and three points behind the leaders. Read our Guinea-Bissau 3-0 Nigeria report for how it unfolded. Chelle’s side then fought back from behind in Nizhny Novgorod, as covered in our Russia 3-3 Nigeria report. At home, they should be sharper: they came from behind to beat Madagascar in Uyo in September, which our Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar report covers.

What form are Tanzania in?

Tanzania have not won yet in this qualifying campaign. They lost 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drew 1-1 with Madagascar, according to Naija News, which cited The Citizen.

The Taifa Stars are already through to the finals as co-hosts, so these games carry less pressure for them than for Nigeria. Even so, they should arrive organised and keen to avoid a heavy defeat. Naija News reported that coach Miguel Gamondi’s squad has five players each from Yanga and Azam, plus foreign-based players such as Novatus Miroshi (Goztepe), Cyprian Kachewele (Kryvbas) and Bernard Kamongo (FC Dallas). The same report said the team was due to arrive in Uyo on Sunday, 8 November.

Have Nigeria beaten Tanzania before?

Yes, most recently in the opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025, when AllAfrica reported that the Super Eagles won over Tanzania. Nigeria are the stronger side on paper and have far greater tournament pedigree.

That said, the two meet twice in four days this time, and Tanzania will be at home in the return leg. A first-leg win in Uyo would therefore be valuable for Nigeria, because it takes pressure off the trip to Zanzibar.

Why does Nigeria vs Tanzania matter in Group L?

It matters because Nigeria need points to stay in the race for the group’s single qualifying place. Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, so only one of Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar can go through.

Nigeria are second on three points, behind Guinea-Bissau on six, and the Sporting Tribune said the Super Eagles must win both games in this window. Our Group L guide and AFCON 2027 qualifying explainer set out the format in full.

What is our Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction?

We expect a Nigeria win, probably by one or two goals. Nigeria have more quality and home advantage, but their recent defending has been shaky and Tanzania will sit deep.

• Main angle: Nigeria to win. They are the better side, they are at home, and they cannot afford to drop points.
• Goals angle: over 1.5 goals. Nigeria have an attack including Lookman, Iwobi, Simon and Awoniyi, though a compact Tanzania could limit chances.
• Correct score idea: 2-0 or 2-1, at longer odds and for small stakes only.

These are opinions based on form and squad news, not certainties, and odds can move once the line-ups are confirmed. For more games, see our football betting tips hub and our daily bet of the day.

If you want to bet on the match, compare prices at a licensed partner such as Bet9ja.

FAQ: Nigeria vs Tanzania