Super Eagles: What Chelle must fix despite win over Tanzania

The Super Eagles returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Friday and despite the good result, head coach Eric Chelle will be aware of areas his team must improve ahead of their upcoming games.

The three-time African champions kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in their opening encounter in September, but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second game.

However, Friday’s victory over Tanzania in the first leg of their doubleheader has put Nigeria’s qualification hopes back on track, giving them three important points as they look to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring early in the encounter before Alphonce Msanga restored parity for Tanzania in the 33rd minute.

However, substitute Tolu Arokodare came off the bench at half-time and scored a superb brace to seal the victory, handing Nigeria another important win in their qualifying campaign.

Despite the result, there were a few nervy moments during the clash, particularly after Tanzania found their way back into the game. These are areas Chelle must address as he prepares his team for the return fixture against the Taifa Stars in Zanzibar in a few days.

Back to winning ways 🦅 pic.twitter.com/LHW2YC57Ht

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2026

What the Super Eagles must improve ahead of Tanzania clash in Zanzibar

1. Chelle must work on keeping clean sheets

One major area the Super Eagles must improve is their ability to keep clean sheets. In their three games so far in the AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria are yet to keep a clean sheet, having conceded five goals across those encounters.

This is very concerning because they will face teams with stronger defensive structures and opponents who may not be as easy to break down. Against such sides, Nigeria cannot afford to keep giving away goals, especially when they need to be more clinical in front of goal.

The concern also extends beyond the current qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles have managed just two clean sheets in their last 10 matches across all competitions, with both coming against lower-ranked opposition during their Unity Cup 2026 triumph.

In fact, Nigeria have conceded more than once in five of those 10 matches, which highlights the defensive problems Chelle still needs to address.

The Super Eagles coach must work on improving the team’s defensive organisation and reducing the spaces opponents can exploit.

They must also improve their concentration when protecting a lead, as allowing opponents back into games could prove costly against stronger opposition.

2. The Super Eagles must improve their starts to games

Another area Nigeria must work on is their tendency to struggle with their starts to matches, which has cost them on several occasions recently.

Against Tanzania, the Super Eagles got off to a bright start, with Alhassan Yusuf opening the scoring in the second minute. However, they allowed their opponents back into the game, with Msanga finding the equaliser in the 33rd minute after Nigeria appeared to take their foot off the gas.

A similar situation occurred against Madagascar, when Nigeria conceded the opening goal before eventually fighting back to secure a 2-1 victory.

The problem was also evident in their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, where they struggled to impose themselves on the game.

These slow or inconsistent starts have become a concern for Chelle, as the team have often looked more threatening when changes are made and fresh energy is introduced into the side.

The Franco-Malian coach must ensure his players maintain their intensity and concentration from the opening whistle rather than allowing opponents to grow into matches.

Nigeria cannot afford to keep giving their opponents opportunities to take control of games, particularly when facing more organised teams.

Chelle will be hoping to see improvements in these areas when the Super Eagles face Tanzania again on November 17 in Zanzibar, as they target another victory to strengthen their position in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.