Nigeria will be looking to return to winning ways when they welcome Tanzania to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The Super Eagles head into the encounter following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying match. Having opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, Eric Chelle‘s men have three points from two matches and sit second in Group L, three points behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The pressure is on Nigeria to deliver, particularly with Tanzania already assured of a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Only one additional qualification place is available in the group.
A victory in Uyo would take Nigeria to six points and provide a much-needed boost ahead of the return fixture in Tanzania on November 17.
Team news: Osimhen and Chukwueze ruled out
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze for Friday’s encounter, with both players sidelined through injury.
Osimhen’s absence is a significant setback for Chelle, considering his importance to the Super Eagles’ attack. Chukwueze’s unavailability also reduces Nigeria’s options in the wide areas.
The responsibility will fall on Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and the other available forwards to provide the attacking threat.
Lookman has struggled for consistency recently, making the availability of Tolu Arokodare particularly important as Nigeria search for goals.
Nigeria must learn to win without injured Victor Osimhen β Mutiu Adepoju
Match prediction
Nigeria have enough quality to win this encounter, particularly with home advantage behind them. The absence of Osimhen and Chukwueze is a concern, but the Super Eagles still have attacking options capable of hurting Tanzania.
The visitors could make things difficult with a disciplined defensive approach, but Nigeria should eventually find a way through.
We expect Arokodare to make the most of his opportunity, with Lookman and the other attacking players also capable of making a difference.
Our prediction: Nigeria 3-0 Tanzania.
Nigeria vs Tanzania prediction and betting tips: Iwobi eyes impact for Super Eagles
Nigeria vs Tanzania betting tips
Nigeria are favourites for Friday’s encounter. The reported 1xBet match-result odds are 1.11 for a Nigeria victory, 7.50 for a draw and 18.50 for a Tanzania win (1xBet odds)
Our suggested betting selections are Nigeria to win, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score β No. Odds are subject to change and should be checked on 1xBet before placing a bet.
Player to watch
Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare could be one of Nigeria’s most important players against Tanzania. With Osimhen unavailable, the inform Ajax Amsterdam’s striker is expected to have an opportunity to lead the attack. His physical presence, aerial ability and movement inside the penalty area could cause problems for Tanzania’s defence.
Having missed the previous AFCON in Morocco, Arokodare will be eager to establish himself as an important figure in the national team.
This is an opportunity for the forward to demonstrate that he can step up when Nigeria’s leading striker is unavailable.
Recent form: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Both countries have experienced mixed results in their last five matches, although Nigeria will have the advantage of playing at home.
Nigeria β Last five matches
- Russia 3-3 Nigeria (October 6, 2026)
- Guinea-Bissau 3-0 Nigeria (September 29, 2026)
- Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar (September 25, 2026)
- Portugal 2-1 Nigeria (June 10, 2026)
- Poland 2-2 Nigeria (June 3, 2026)
Tanzania β Last five matches
- Madagascar 1-1 Tanzania (September 29, 2026)
- Tanzania 0-2 Guinea-Bissau (September 25, 2026)
- Tanzania 0-0 Rwanda (June 9, 2026)
- Macau 0-6 Tanzania (March 29, 2026)
- Tanzania 0-1 Liechtenstein (March 26, 2026)
Nigeria have scored eight goals and conceded 11 across their last five matches, while Tanzania have scored seven and conceded four.
Both sides will be looking to improve their performances, but Nigeria’s attacking quality gives them reason for confidence heading into Friday’s game.
Victor Osimhen: Salary, market value, career, stats and rise at Galatasaray
Head-to-Head: Nigeria dominate Tanzania
Nigeria have historically enjoyed the upper hand against Tanzania. The two nations have met 11 times, with the Super Eagles recording seven victories and four draws. Tanzania are yet to defeat Nigeria.
Their last five meetings have produced the following results:
- Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania β December 23, 2025 (AFCON)
- Nigeria 1-0 Tanzania β September 3, 2016 (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Tanzania 0-0 Nigeria β September 5, 2015 (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Tanzania 0-2 Nigeria β December 20, 1980 (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Nigeria 1-1 Tanzania β December 6, 1980 (World Cup Qualifiers)
The most recent encounter was at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory.
The historical record favours the Super Eagles, although they will need to produce a much-improved performance to maintain that dominance.
