AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has opened, with the first batch of players landing in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, November 10, as Nigeria steps up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
Ten players have so far reported to camp. The early arrivals include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo; defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi and Benjamin Fredrick; midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf; and forwards Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Experienced internationals such as Iwobi and Simon, both with over 100 caps, are among those already on the ground. Semi Ajayi has joined the squad despite picking up a knock during Hull City’s recent Premier League defeat to Arsenal, though his availability for the upcoming fixtures remains to be confirmed.
Head coach Éric Chelle and his technical staff arrived in Uyo on Monday and are set to oversee the team’s first training session this Tuesday evening at 7pm on the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The squad is based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot-Ekpeme. The Nigeria Football Federation invited around 25 players for the window, so more are expected to arrive later on Tuesday and on Wednesday.
Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (the Nest of Champions) on Friday, November 13, before travelling for the return leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17. The Super Eagles currently sit second in Group L with three points after a 2-1 win over Madagascar and a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already qualified as co-hosts of the 2027 finals, only the group winners will advance, making maximum points from these two matches vital for Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars have also arrived in Uyo and begun their own preparations under coach Miguel Gamondi. After earlier flight schedule disruptions left the Super Eagles camp empty on Monday night, the arrival of the first batch marks the start of serious build-up work under Chelle ahead of the crucial fixtures.
