4 Super Eagles players who have a point to prove against Tanzania

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Tanzania in their third game oof the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday, and the team is entering the fixture with the mindset that it is a do-or-die encounter.

Ahead of the gtame, coach Eric Chelle named a 24-man squad for the double-header, but the absence of Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, and Samuel Chukwueze through injury has created opportunities for others to take on greater responsibility.

Nigeria have already made life difficult for themselves in Group L. After opening their campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar, they suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. They now need a convincing response against Tanzania, who are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts.

Some players will have to step up in this fixture if the Super Eagles want to gain anything from it. In this article, Afrik-Foot writes on four players, in particular, who have reasons to make a strong impression.

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Five Super Eagles With A Point To Prove Against Tanzania

1. Stanley Nwabali

Stanley Nwabali has an important opportunity to restore confidence in his goalkeeping after a difficult September international break.

The Chippa United goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory during Nigeria’s qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau. Although the defensive problems against Guinea-Bissau were collective, Nwabali’s goalkeeping was poor.

His position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper should not be taken for granted. Chelle needs a goalkeeper who can organise the defence, command his penalty area and make decisive saves when the team comes under pressure.

The Tanzania fixture therefore gives Nwabali an opportunity to respond. He must show greater assurance in dealing with crosses, improve his communication with the defenders, and remain composed when opponents test him.

A convincing performance would help him strengthen his standing under Chelle. But another uncertain display, however, could increase the pressure on his place in the team.

2. Tochukwu Nnadi

Tochukwu Nnadi has earned his opportunity in Chelle’s list, but he has to prove that he deserves to stay in it regularly.

The 22-year-old midfielder returns to the Super Eagles after missing the September qualifiers while recovering from a knee injury. Since returning to action, however, he has worked his way into Marseille’s starting team, making seven appearances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, including five starts.

His recent numbers are encouraging. Nnadi has completed 264 of 286 passes since his return, recording a 92.2 per cent passing accuracy. He also produced an impressive display against Lens, completing 53 of 54 passes in Marseille’s 2-1 victory.

Those performances explain why Chelle has brought him back into the national-team picture. But he is actually walking on thin ice.

With Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika absent from this squad, Nnadi has to make a lasting impression. So his energy, tackling and ability to retain possession must be on point.

3. Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi has another opportunity to remind Nigeria of what he can offer in attack, particularly with Victor Osimhen unavailable.

The Coventry City forward has endured a difficult period with injuries in recent seasons, making consistency and regular playing time important to his return to the Super Eagles picture. His move to Coventry has given him a chance to rebuild momentum, and he scored his first Premier League goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Sunderland on October 31.

However, the competition for attacking places is intense. Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are also in Chelle’s squad, while Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are additional attacking options. In fact, if Osimhen was fit, Awoniyi might not have made the cut.

Awoniyi offers a physical presence, the ability to run behind defensive lines and a willingness to occupy centre-backs. But he failed to used it against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Seotember, as he was quite poor in the two games.

4. Tolu Arokodare

Of the four players, Tolu Arokodare arguably arrives with the strongest argument for a starting place.

The Ajax forward has been in excellent scoring form, registering 12 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.

That form has arrived at an important time for Nigeria. Osimhen’s absence has left Chelle searching for a reliable source of goals, and Arokodare has given the coach a compelling reason to trust him.

🚨🇳🇬 Tolu Arokodare has now scored six goals in his last five games for Ajax. Another towering header 🤩🔥 https://t.co/MfiDhbaho8

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The striker is not simply competing for a place in the squad; he has an opportunity to establish himself as a key in the Super Eagles attack. His movement, aerial ability and confidence in front of goal could make him difficult for Tanzania to contain.

A strong display in Uyo could strengthen his position for the return fixture in Dar es Salaam and give Chelle a genuine selection dilemma when Osimhen eventually returns.