Nigeria will be counting on some of their most experienced players when the Super Eagles face Tanzania in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, November 13.
The encounter, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, comes at a difficult moment for Eric Chelle’s side, who have collected three points from their opening two Group L matches.
Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 in September but suffered a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their second outing, leaving them three points behind the group leaders.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, Nigeria must finish above Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to qualify.
The Super Eagles will therefore need strong performances from their established players and those hoping to make an impression.
Here are five footballers whose contributions could prove particularly important against the Taifa Stars.
1. Ademola Lookman: Nigeria’s attacking inspiration
Ademola Lookman is among the most recognisable attacking players in Chelle’s squad for the Tanzania double-header.
The forward has established himself as an important member of the national team through his movement, creativity and ability to operate in different attacking positions.
With Victor Osimhen absent from the 24-man squad, Lookman’s contribution could become even more significant.
Nigeria will need players capable of creating opportunities against a Tanzania side expected to compete strongly despite having already qualified as tournament co-hosts.
Lookman offers options both when operating from wide areas and when moving into central attacking positions.
His ability to combine with teammates could help Nigeria create chances, particularly if Tanzania defend with several players behind the ball.
However, the Super Eagles will need more than individual brilliance to secure the desired result.
2. Alex Iwobi: The midfielder who could control the game
The Fulham midfielder is known for linking defence and attack, circulating possession and helping his team progress the ball into dangerous areas.
Against Tanzania, Nigeria may need sustained spells of possession and effective movement through midfield.
Iwobi could be important in ensuring that the Super Eagles do not become overly dependent on long passes or individual attacking runs.
His ability to find teammates between opposition lines may also create opportunities for Lookman, Moses Simon and Nigeria’s centre-forwards.
The midfielder’s experience could be valuable if Nigeria encounter periods of frustration or struggle to break down their opponents.
3. Wilfred Ndidi: The captain expected to provide midfield stability
Wilfred Ndidi has been included in Chelle’s squad as captain for the two Tanzania fixtures.
The midfielder’s defensive qualities could be important in preventing Nigeria from being exposed during opposition counterattacks.
One concern following the defeat to Guinea-Bissau is the need for better balance between attacking ambition and defensive organisation.
Nigeria cannot afford to commit too many players forward without adequate protection for their defenders.
Ndidi’s positioning, tackling and ability to regain possession could help address that challenge.
He may also have an important leadership role in maintaining concentration throughout the encounter.
With qualification pressure increasing, experienced players will be expected to help younger teammates remain composed.
4. Calvin Bassey: The defender Nigeria need at his best
Calvin Bassey is another established player included in Nigeria’s squad.
The Fulham defender offers physical strength, recovery pace and the ability to carry the ball forward from defence.
His role could become particularly important if Tanzania attempt to exploit spaces behind Nigeria’s attacking players.
Bassey can also contribute to building attacks from the back, allowing the Super Eagles to move possession through different areas of the pitch.
However, defensive success will depend on the entire team rather than one player.
Nigeria conceded three goals against Guinea-Bissau in September, making improved organisation an important objective.
Bassey and his defensive teammates will need to communicate effectively and avoid unnecessary errors.
5. Akor Adams: An opportunity to lead Nigeria’s attack
Akor Adams is among the forwards selected for the Tanzania matches.
With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle must decide how to organise Nigeria’s attack using the players at his disposal.
Adams provides a centre-forward option, alongside Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi.
His movement inside the penalty area and ability to occupy defenders could be valuable if Nigeria create opportunities from wide positions.
However, the competition for attacking places means Adams is not guaranteed a starting role.
Chelle could select another centre-forward or adjust the team’s attacking formation.
The final decision will depend on the coach’s assessment of training performances, tactical requirements and player fitness.
Why Nigeria need a collective performance against Tanzania
Although these five players could influence the encounter, Nigeria’s qualification hopes cannot rest entirely on individual performances.
The Super Eagles must improve their overall balance, create clear scoring opportunities and remain organised when possession changes hands.
Chelle’s squad also includes Moses Simon, Ola Aina, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi, providing alternatives across several positions.
The coach has named 24 players for the double-header, with notable absentees including Osimhen, Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Nigeria will host Tanzania on November 13 before travelling to Zanzibar for the return match on November 17.
For the Super Eagles, the priority is to turn individual quality into a convincing team performance capable of delivering crucial qualification points.