Super Eagles squad announcement: 3 Nigerian players to watch out for in Tanzania double-header

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with several players carrying interesting storylines into the November fixtures.

The Green and Whites will host Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return encounter on November 17. Nigeria need a strong response after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

Chelle’s list included familiar names like Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams, although there were key omissions like Emmanuel Fernandez and Kelechi Iheanacho.

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3 Super Eagles stars to watch out for against Tanzania

1. Ola Aina: A chance to remind Glasner of his qualities

Aina’s place in the squad comes at an important moment in his Nottingham Forest career.

The arrival of Daniel Muñoz from Crystal Palace has increased competition for the right-wing-back position, with the Colombian becoming a regular starter under Oliver Glasner.

Aina has found opportunities harder to come by, starting on the bench for two consecutive league matches before returning to the starting line-up against Brentford on 25 October. However, he was substituted at half-time, with Muñoz taking his place.

The Nigerian now has an opportunity to regain confidence and demonstrate that he remains capable of competing at the highest level.

Glasner has previously praised Aina’s versatility, but the defender needs consistent performances to strengthen his position in Forest’s plans.

A good international window could provide the confidence he needs to return to club football with a point to prove.

At 30, Aina remains an experienced option for the Super Eagles, but he will want to show that he still has plenty to offer at the top level.

2. Tochukwu Nnadi: A fresh opportunity after injury setback

Nnadi’s inclusion is one of the most interesting developments in Chelle’s selection.

The 23-year-old Marseille midfielder suffered a knee injury in September that kept him out of action for several weeks.

However, he has since made an encouraging return, featuring in five consecutive Marseille matches between 11 October and 1 November, against Troyes, Olympiacos, Angers, Le Havre and Toulouse.

He subsequently made another appearance against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League on 5 November, further demonstrating his return to full fitness.

The Nigerian has been rebuilding his momentum and gradually earning opportunities in Marseille’s midfield.

His ability to win possession, compete physically and provide defensive protection could make him a valuable option for Chelle, especially in Frank Onyeka’s absence.

The Tanzania double-header gives him another opportunity to build on his recent progress and strengthen his position in the national team.

3. Taiwo Awoniyi: Another opportunity to silence his critics

Awoniyi’s inclusion is the most contentious of the three. The Coventry City striker has struggled to produce consistency in front of goal since moving from Nottingham Forest, managing just one Premier League goal before the international break.

That strike came against Sunderland on 31 October, when he scored in Coventry’s 3-1 victory. He had also found the net in the EFL Cup, but his overall return remains modest compared to the other attackers at Chelle’s disposal.

George Ilenikhena and Kelechi Iheanacho, in particular, have enjoyed impressive goalscoring spells at club level, yet neither made Chelle’s final selection.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable following knee surgery, Awoniyi has another opportunity to establish himself as a reliable alternative for the Super Eagles.

The 29-year-old has previously demonstrated his ability to lead Nigeria’s frontline, but he must translate his physical qualities and movement into goals.

For all three, the Tanzania double-header is an important chance to convince Chelle that they can deliver when called upon.