2027 AFCONQ: Super Eagles Warned Against Underrating Tanzania By Ex-Int’l Iroha

Former Nigeria defender, Ben Iroha, has warned the Super Eagles against underestimating Tanzania’s Taifa Stars ahead of Friday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Completesports.com reports.

Iroha said victory in Friday’s encounter is vital to Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Nigeria Must Recover Three Points Lost Against Guinea-Bissau – Iroha

“After the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau, a result that jolted our qualification hopes in Group L, it’s important that we get the three points against Tanzania on Friday,” Iroha told Completesports.com when he spoke from his base in Texas, United States, on Wednesday.

Also Read: Nigeria vs Tanzania: Predicted XI, Head-to-Head, Kick-Off Time & Where To Watch

“The players should be determined and fight for every ball because victory against Tanzania is crucial to our quest to secure the sole 2027 AFCON ticket from the group.

“Granted, Tanzania are not on the same pedestal as Nigeria when it comes to football, but things are changing. There are no more minnows in the game. Other countries are catching up fast, so the belief that Tanzania cannot beat the Super Eagles no longer holds.

“Did you ever think Guinea-Bissau would beat the Super Eagles in the last match? That’s part of the reason the Super Eagles should roll up their sleeves and fight for maximum points.”

Super Eagles Have History On Their Side Against Tanzania

Friday’s match will be the 19th meeting between the Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars across all competitions.

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Ugbade Charges Super Eagles To Sweep Tanzania In Double-Header

In their last eight encounters, the Eagles have won five, while the remaining three ended in draws. Nigeria have scored 11 goals against Tanzania, while the East Africans have managed just three against the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles Fights Back From 3rd Position In Group L

Guinea-Bissau currently top the Group L standings with six points after two rounds of qualifying matches. Nigeria are second with three points, while Madagascar occupy third place with one point. Tanzania are bottom of the group, also with one point, but have an inferior goal difference.

For the first time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to stage the 2027 AFCON across three different countries — Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — from 19 June to 17 July 2027.