Preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Tanzania have gathered momentum, with the Taifa Stars completing their squad ahead of the crucial encounter in Uyo.
Tanzania, who arrived in Uyo on Tuesday with two players missing, welcomed the remaining members of their 24-man squad on Wednesday, ensuring the team was complete ahead of their evening training session.
A State Football Association official confirmed that all the players were expected to take part in the session at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, venue of Friday’s encounter.
“The team is complete and will join the training this Wednesday evening at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ camp has continued to gather momentum with the arrival of several key players, including Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina, among others.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Football Association, Samuel Umoh, confirmed that both teams had completed their squads, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s preparations for the match.
Umoh also played down concerns over the absence of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, insisting that Nigeria had enough quality to secure victory without relying on one player.
“The team is not built around one man. All the other players available for selection by coach Eric Chelle know the importance of the game and will go all out for victory,” he said.
He added that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium had been prepared to provide a suitable atmosphere for the encounter, while supporters and football fans in the state had been mobilised to back the home team.
Nigeria will host Tanzania on Friday, 13 November, in a Matchday Three fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign before travelling for the return leg on Tuesday, 17 November.
The Super Eagles will be seeking maximum points from the double-header to strengthen their position in the race for qualification for the tournament.
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