Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is expected to retain Stanley Nwabali in goal for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Tanzania, while Tolu Arokodare is in line to lead the attack.
Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, with the Super Eagles under pressure to secure maximum points after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
According to reports, Nwabali is likely to keep his place despite criticism following Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September. Maduka Okoye is not part of the squad for the November fixtures, leaving Nwabali to compete with Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo for the starting position.
Chelle is also considering changes in attack, with Ajax forward Arokodare expected to get the opportunity to lead the line in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
Nwabali remains the leading candidate to start between the posts against Tanzania.
The Chippa United goalkeeper faced criticism after Nigeria’s heavy defeat to Guinea-Bissau, with some supporters calling for Okoye to replace him.
However, Okoye was left out of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the double-header. Uzoho and Okonkwo are the other goalkeeping options, but Nwabali is expected to remain the coach’s first choice.
In defence, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are tipped to form the central partnership, while Benjamin Fredrick and the returning Ola Aina are expected to occupy the full-back positions.
The defensive unit will be expected to provide greater stability after Nigeria conceded three goals in their previous qualifying match.
Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to play important roles in the middle of the pitch.
Ndidi’s defensive strength and Iwobi’s ability to move the ball forward could provide the balance Chelle needs against Tanzania.
Tochukwu Nnadi is among the candidates to complete the midfield trio, although Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani are also options available to the coach.
The final selection will depend on Chelle’s tactical approach and the level of fitness of the players following their arrival in camp.
The biggest selection question concerns the striker’s position.
With Osimhen unavailable for the November international window, Chelle must choose from the attacking options in his squad, including Arokodare, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Arokodare is reportedly the leading candidate after an impressive run of form for Ajax. His physical presence, movement and ability to hold up the ball offer Nigeria a different attacking option.
Adams, who featured as the preferred striker in the previous qualifying fixtures, remains in contention.
Ademola Lookman is also expected to feature despite his recent struggles for consistent form at Atletico Madrid. Moses Usor could be rewarded for his performance against Madagascar, giving Nigeria another attacking option alongside the more experienced forwards.
The Super Eagles have three points from their opening two Group L matches.
They began the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in their second game.
The result left Nigeria three points behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, increasing the importance of the two matches against Tanzania.
Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. Consequently, the remaining teams in Group L are competing for the available qualification place.
Nigeria will therefore be targeting a victory in Uyo before travelling for the return fixture in Zanzibar on November 17.
Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi; Ademola Lookman, Moses Usor, Tolu Arokodare.
The proposed line-up is not an official team announcement. Chelle will make the final decision after assessing his players during preparations in Uyo.
