Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a blend of youth and experience in his starting lineup for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash against Tanzania on Friday evening.
The Malian tactician has made five changes to the side that suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his place in goal.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey keeps his place in the heart of defence and will partner youngster Benjamin Fredrick, while Ola Aina returns to the starting lineup after missing the defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Abdullahi Bewene completes the back four and is set to make his home debut for the Super Eagles.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, while Tochukwu Nnadi and Alhassan Yusuf also return to the starting XI after missing Nigeria’s opening two AFCON qualifying matches.
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In attack, Ademola Lookman retains his place and will partner Akor Adams, who has been selected to lead the line in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen. The Venezia forward will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity against the Tanzanians.
The encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm. Nigeria will be targeting all three points as they look to close the gap on Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The Djurtus currently top the group with seven points, while Nigeria occupy second place with three points. Madagascar are third with two points, while Tanzania sit bottom with one point, having already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts.
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