Tanzania have arrived in Nigeria with confidence ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against the Super Eagles, with a senior federation official insisting that his country will not be intimidated by Nigeria’s reputation or the quality of its players, Footynaija.com reports.
The Taifa Stars face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture on November 17.
The two countries have met 11 times previously, with Nigeria winning seven encounters and the other four ending in draws. The last time the two met was at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, and Nigeria took it 2-1 in their first group match.
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However, Tanzania believe the upcoming encounters will present a different challenge, particularly with the team eager to test themselves against one of Africa’s established football nations.
Tanzania refuse to fear Super Eagles
Speaking to reporters after the Tanzanian delegation arrived in Uyo, Tanzania Football Federation Director of National Teams Almasi Kasongo declared that his country were prepared to compete for a result against Nigeria.
“We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria’s players and their pedigree. We are well prepared and have players from the local scene and abroad who are equal to the task as well.
“We are here to fight and get a result. We recognise Nigeria’s quality, but we will go to the stadium to get a result,” Kasongo said, as reported by Punch.
Tanzania’s preparations suffered a slight delay after the delegation arrived in Abuja on Sunday but did not reach Uyo until Tuesday morning. The team subsequently held its first training session in the city on Tuesday evening.
Coach Miguel Gamondi has picked a mix of home-based and foreign-based players for the two games.
Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. However, the remaining qualifying matches offer Gamondi’s side an opportunity to prepare against competitive opposition before the tournament.
For Nigeria, the double-header carries greater qualification implications. Eric Chelle’s men have three points from their opening two Group L matches after beating Madagascar 2-1 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will therefore be looking to make home advantage count when both sides meet in Uyo.
