Flight Delays Disrupt Super Eagles, Tanzania Build-up To AFCON Qualifier

The Super Eagles’ preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania have been disrupted by flight schedule changes, with players from both teams yet to arrive in Uyo as at Monday evening.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle arrived in Uyo in the early hours of Monday, while one of his assistants, Daniel Ogunmodede, joined him later in the day. However, the technical crew was still awaiting the arrival of the invited players to begin preparations for Friday’s encounter.

Sources at the Victor Attah International Airport told our correspondent that no Super Eagles player had arrived in Uyo by Monday evening, while Tanzania’s arrival had reportedly been rescheduled for Tuesday.

“We were at the airport from morning until evening on Monday, and none of the players arrived. When the last flight of the day landed, we checked the manifest, but no player was on board,” a source said.

“For Tanzania, they were also due to land in Uyo today, but we were told they would not be coming until Tuesday.”

The delays come as both sides prepare for a double-header that could prove decisive in determining Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2027 AFCON in Morocco.

Nigeria are second in Group L with three points from two matches, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau away from home.

Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group, while Tanzania have managed one point from their opening two fixtures after losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau and drawing 1-1 with Madagascar.

With Tanzania already assured of a place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts, only one automatic qualification spot remains available in Group L. The Taifa Stars are therefore using the qualifiers to prepare for the competition, while Nigeria must secure the group’s remaining ticket.

Chelle released a 24-man squad on Saturday for the double-header but will be without captain and leading striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out through injury.

The Galatasaray forward also missed Nigeria’s previous qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September because of injury.

Other players included in the squad are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Frederick, midfielders Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijani, and forwards Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Turkey-based defender Chibuike Nwaiwu and Czechia-based wing-back Abdullahi Bewene are also among the invitees.

The first leg will take place in Uyo on Friday, with the return fixture scheduled for Dar es Salaam four days later. Nigeria will be targeting maximum points from the two matches to strengthen their bid for the group’s remaining qualification place.