Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has warned that Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate Tanzania ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Zanzibar, insisting that the team must adapt quickly to the conditions and deliver another positive result.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with sports journalist Pooja, the Hull City defender acknowledged that playing away from home can present challenges but stressed that the Super Eagles must find a way to overcome them.
“Sometimes the conditions aren’t great but we have to make sure we play to the conditions, and acclimatise as quickly as possible. Because there’s no excuses at the end of the day, people want to see results,” Ajayi said.
The defender also reflected on Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous away qualifier, describing the result as a blip that the team must learn from. Goals from Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló condemned the Super Eagles to a heavy defeat in Bissau, leaving them with work to do in their Group L qualification campaign.
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Ajayi, however, believes Nigeria have been consistent under head coach Eric Chelle, pointing to their overall record in competitive matches since the manager’s appointment.
“We’ve been quite consistent. When you look at the competitive games, there’s not been many losses since the manager has come in,” he added.
He admitted that the defeat in Bissau was below the team’s expectations but insisted that the players must put the disappointment behind them and use the experience to improve going forward.
“I think the last camp was definitely a blip, and one we need to put behind us quickly and improve from. It was a bad performance, bad result, but we have to learn from this and be better in the future,” Ajayi said.
The Super Eagles head into Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania following a 3-1 victory over the Taifa Stars in Uyo on Friday. Despite the result, Ajayi warned that the hosts remain a dangerous opponent and must not be taken lightly.
“Tanzania aren’t a joke. They’re a good team. They gave us some problems, we definitely can’t take them lightly. We showed that in the second half, we came out with good energy, good tempo,” he said.
Ajayi also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by Nigeria after the break, which helped them turn the game around following a difficult first half.
“We made a few tactical tweaks and it was enough to turn the game in our favour. We need to learn from this and do even more of what helped us get success,” he added.
Nigeria currently sit second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, only the group winners will claim the qualification spot available in the group.
The Super Eagles will therefore be targeting another victory in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, as they look to strengthen their position at the top of Group L and keep their qualification hopes on track.
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