Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has urged his players to maintain their winning momentum and secure another victory over Tanzania, warning that their 3-1 triumph in Uyo would count for little without a positive result in the return fixture.
Nigeria defeated Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, to move into second place in Group L with six points.
The victory puts the Super Eagles one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who played a 1-1 draw against Madagascar. Nigeria, however, must overcome the Taifa Stars again to strengthen their qualification chances.
The hosts took an early lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf but surrendered their advantage when Alphonce Mabula Msanga capitalised on a defensive error to equalise for Tanzania in the 32nd minute.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle expressed disappointment with the manner in which his team conceded but praised the players for their response.
“When you lead and after you take a goal—they have nothing, and you give them something to eat. So they took it,” Chelle stated. “After, we need to have a good state of mind to come back in the game to make the difference. This is what they did, so I’m happy for them.”
The Super Eagles improved after the break following the introduction of Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare, with the substitutions adding pace and width to Nigeria’s attack.
Arokodare proved decisive, scoring twice in the 52nd and 60th minutes to seal the victory for the Nigerian side.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Chelle cautioned his players against becoming complacent, stressing that the next encounter remains crucial.
“It was a good game, so this is nothing. There is another game in two days,” Chelle noted, tempering the celebrations.
“We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. So I’m happy for the players because, you know, it’s not easy.”
Nigeria’s qualification campaign comes amid pressure on the country’s football leadership following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Chelle, who took charge during the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, faces the task of guiding the team to the 2027 AFCON in Pamoja.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again in the reverse fixture scheduled for Zanzibar on November 17, with Chelle insisting that the team must remain focused on securing another victory.
“But the reality is nothing. We have the second game after. The most important is the next game,” he concluded.
