AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has warned that Tanzania’s lack of qualification pressure could make them a difficult opponent ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
Tanzania, who are already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts, will approach the Group L encounter without the pressure facing Nigeria, whose qualification campaign has been inconsistent.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Chelle identified the Taifa Stars’ freedom to play without qualification expectations as one of their biggest strengths.
“The biggest strength is there is no pressure for them. Because it’s easy for them to play a game actually. They work on it. They are ready to make a good game,” the Nigerian coach said.
Chelle, however, insists his side have a clear plan and must approach the encounter with the right mentality, intensity and aggression from the start.
Nigeria head into the fixture on three points from their opening two matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 before suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.
With Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar sharing a 1-1 draw on Thursday, victory against Tanzania would take the Super Eagles to six points, just one behind the group leaders.
The two sides will meet again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
