Super Eagles: What Chelle must get right to secure another win over Tanzania

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will be targeting another victory when his side travel to face Tanzania in the second leg of their double-header in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday.

Nigeria recorded a 3-1 win over the Taifa Stars in the first leg last Friday, with Alhassan Yusuf opening the scoring before Tolu Arokodare netted twice to seal the victory.

The result leaves the Super Eagles in second place in Group L, although they are now just one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

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With only one automatic qualification spot available from the group, there is little room for mistakes. Nigeria must make every remaining game count if they are to avoid another major disappointment and secure their place at the tournament.

Ahead of Tuesday’s encounter in Zanzibar, Chelle will be looking to build on the first-leg victory and ensure his team avoid mistakes that could make the return fixture difficult. 

The Nigerian coach must get several things right if the Super Eagles are to come away with another important win.

Super Eagles: What Chelle must get right against Tanzania in Zanzibar

1. Chelle must select the strongest available starting XI

One of the first things Chelle must get right is his team selection. The Super Eagles have some of the best players in Africa, with enough quality across different departments. 

Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who suffered an injury during the first leg, while Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and Emmanuel Fernandez are also among the notable absentees who did not make the squad.

These absences make it even more important for Chelle to select the strongest players available and identify those who are in the best form heading into the encounter.

The Super Eagles cannot afford to approach the game slowly, especially with Tanzania likely to put up a stronger fight on home soil. 

Chelle must also be prepared to make the right in-game decisions, especially if Tanzania change their approach or Nigeria struggle to impose themselves.

2. The Super Eagles must remain compact defensively

Another important area Chelle must address is Nigeria’s defensive organisation. Although the Super Eagles scored three goals in the first leg, conceding against Tanzania once again highlighted the need for more organisation in defence.

Nigeria have struggled to keep clean sheets in recent outings, and their performances away from home have also raised concerns and these issues cannot be ignored ahead of a difficult trip to Zanzibar.

The Super Eagles must maintain a compact defensive shape and ensure there is enough protection in front of the backline. 

Chelle must also get his defensive selection right, with the available defenders expected to remain focused throughout the encounter.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also has an important role to play. He must remain alert, organise his defence and be ready to deal with Tanzania’s attacking threats in the clash.

The Super Eagles have enough attacking quality to hurt their opponents, but they must not allow their desire to score more goals to leave them exposed at the back.

3. Nigeria must maintain concentration for the entire game

Another area Chelle must get right is his team’s mentality and concentration. The Super Eagles have previously allowed games to become difficult because of lapses in focus, poor decision-making and moments of defensive carelessness.

Against Tanzania, such mistakes could prove costly, especially with the hosts expected to enjoy the support of their home crowd and push for a positive result.

The squad must remain focused from the opening whistle until the final minutes, regardless of the scoreline.

They must also avoid unnecessary fouls, careless passes and individual errors that could give Tanzania opportunities to get back into the game.

If the Super Eagles take the lead, they must manage the game well and avoid complacency if they are to secure maximum points.

Nigeria have the quality to beat Tanzania again, but that quality must be supported by the right team selection, and mentality ahead of the crucial encounter.

If Chelle gets his decisions right, then the Super Eagles will have a better chance of securing another important victory and strengthening their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON.