The Super Eagles continue to gather in Uyo for Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania, with several key players now in camp after earlier flight delays slowed the start of preparations, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria sit second in Group L following a 2-1 home win over Madagascar and a 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts with Kenya and Uganda, which means the Super Eagles must take points from these remaining fixtures if they are to secure the one available qualifying ticket from the group.
Head coach Eric Chelle and members of his technical team arrived early and waited for the bulk of the squad. The first training sessions were delayed as players struggled with changed flight schedules, leaving the camp thinner than planned in the opening days.
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Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi have now reported to camp at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, along with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Semi Ajayi and Benjamin Fredrick, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, and full-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Victor Moses.
Bassey arrives from Fulham in solid form and remains one of the most trusted options at the heart of the defence. Aina, the Nottingham Forest right-back, brings energy and attacking width, while Iwobi continues to offer creativity and experience in midfield after another consistent season at Fulham.
Okonkwo provides cover in goal, Ajayi and Fredrick add defensive depth, and Yusuf returns to give Chelle more options in the middle of the park. Osayi-Samuel and Moses complete a group that mixes regulars with players who understand the demands of these qualifier nights.
The home fixture against the Taifa Stars is set for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with the return leg following four days later in Zanzibar. Chelle will use the remaining days in Uyo to settle the new arrivals and sharpen the side ahead of a crucial double-header.
