The Super Eagles must quickly put their recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau behind them as attention shifts to a crucial November double-header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Sports247 had earlier reported that the Super Eagles are targeting maximum points from their remaining four qualifiers, beginning with the two November meetings with Tanzania
Nigeria’s heavy loss in Bissau left them with three points from their opening two Group L matches, after they began the campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar. Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, moved to six points after making it two wins from two.
The result has increased the pressure on Eric Chelle’s team, with Nigeria now needing a strong response when the qualifiers resume in November.
The Super Eagles will host Tanzania on November 11 before travelling for the return fixture four days later.
The two matches will be particularly important because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
That leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the qualifying place available to the highest-ranked non-host team in Group L.
Nigeria’s opening victory over Madagascar had provided a positive start, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring to overturn an early deficit. However, the defeat in Bissau exposed problems the team will need to address before the next international window.
Chelle will now have time to assess his squad and work on the weaknesses from the Guinea-Bissau game before the Tanzania fixtures.
The Super Eagles cannot afford another poor result if they want to stay firmly in the race for AFCON 2027 qualification.
