Nigeria’s victory over Tanzania has revived the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, but Eric Chelle’s men must address key weaknesses to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have given themselves a fresh opportunity to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Tanzania 3–1 in Uyo on Friday, November 13.
Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring before Tolu Arokodare struck twice to secure all three points. The victory followed a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.
However, Nigeria’s latest result does not erase the concerns raised by their earlier performance.
Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with seven points, while Nigeria have six. Madagascar have two points, and Tanzania have one. Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, leaving the other three countries to compete for the group’s remaining ticket.
With three matches left, here are three things Eric Chelle must get right.
1. Improve defensive organisation
Nigeria’s 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau exposed weaknesses that the coaching crew cannot afford to ignore.
The Super Eagles conceded three goals in Bissau, raising questions about their defensive organisation and ability to respond when opponents attack.
Even against Tanzania, the visitors managed to equalise after Yusuf’s early opener. Although Nigeria eventually recovered, the goal showed that the team still needs greater concentration.
Chelle must improve the understanding between his defenders and midfielders. The team also needs to manage transitions better, particularly when it loses possession in dangerous areas.
Nigeria’s defensive performance against Guinea-Bissau remains an important warning ahead of the return fixture.
Read also: What went wrong for Nigeria as Guinea-Bissau stunned Super Eagles 3-0?
2. Make better use of attacking opportunities
Nigeria have several attacking options, but having talented forwards does not automatically guarantee goals.
Against Tanzania, Yusuf gave the Super Eagles an early advantage before the visitors restored parity. Arokodare eventually settled the contest with two second-half goals.
His contribution also demonstrated the importance of having effective alternatives on the bench.
However, Nigeria must become more clinical and consistent in front of goal. The team cannot depend on individual brilliance whenever it struggles to break down an opponent.
Better movement, quicker combinations and improved decision-making in the final third will help the Super Eagles convert more chances.
Chelle must also find the right balance between his available forwards and attacking midfielders.
Read also: Nigeria vs Tanzania: 5 Super Eagles players who could decide crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier
3. Maintain consistency in the remaining fixtures
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Nigeria is consistency.
The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar, suffered a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and then defeated Tanzania 3–1.
These contrasting results show how quickly their performances have changed across three matches.
Nigeria must now maintain their winning momentum when they travel to Zanzibar for the return fixture against Tanzania on November 17.
The team will then face Madagascar away before hosting Guinea-Bissau in March 2027.
The final encounter against Guinea-Bissau could prove particularly important. Nigeria must improve on their earlier performance against the group leaders if they want to finish above them.
However, the Super Eagles should not wait until March to rescue their campaign. Collecting maximum points from the remaining fixtures will strengthen their position.
What happens next?
Nigeria have six points from three matches, one behind Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles still have an opportunity to finish above their closest rivals, but they cannot afford another damaging defeat.
Their next assignment is the return fixture against Tanzania on November 17.
For Chelle, the priority is to turn the team’s individual quality into consistent performances. Improving defensive organisation, making better use of attacking opportunities and maintaining consistency could determine whether Nigeria reach AFCON 2027.
The Super Eagles have revived their qualification campaign. Now they must sustain the momentum.