Nigeria began preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania on Tuesday, November 10, with 17 players reporting for the Super Eagles’ first training session in Uyo.
Naija News reports that the team’s preparations hit an early snag after flight scheduling issues at Victor Attah International Airport delayed several players’ arrival on Monday.
However, 10 players arrived Tuesday morning, including goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo; Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi; Ola Aina; Semi Ajayi; Moses Simon; Akor Adams; Benjamin Fredrick; and Alhassan Yusuf.
Seven other players, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Samson Tijani, Tochukwu Nnadi, Francis Uzoho and Ademola Lookman, also joined the squad, bringing the number of available players to 17.
The remaining seven invited players expected to join the camp are Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and first-time invitee Mubarak Suleiman.
Nigeria will host Tanzania in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture four days later.
The Super Eagles have three points from their opening two Group L matches. They began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau away from home.
Nigeria currently occupy second place behind Guinea-Bissau and need positive results in both matches to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the tournament.
Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, leaving only one additional qualification spot available in the group.
