Super Eagles XI vs Tanzania: Fredrick, Lookman in, Ajayi, Onyemaechi benched for AFCON 2027 Q

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in the third game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers today, in what is a must-win fixture for the three-time African champions.

Coach Eric Chelle is in charge of this team, and he has gone for a strong lineup today, featuring most of the regular stars. He is without star man Victor Osimhen, but he still has the services of Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Chelle likes to play with a two-pronged attack, but today, he has deployed only Akor Adams in front. Surprisingly, Arokodare starts from the bench for this encounter.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in goal for today. He was poor in the game against Guinea-Bissau in the last qualifying fixture, but he will be looking to redeem himself today.

The Key Changes In Super Eagles XI vs Tanzania

Chelle has made a big call for the fixture between Nigeria and Tanzania. He has dropped the experienced Semi Ajayi to the bench. Also, Bruno Onyemaechi, who has been the first-choice left-back has been dropped.

In their place, Benjamin Fredrick starts. He partners Calvin Bassey at center-back, while Abdullahi Bewene earns his first competitive start for Nigeria. He will play from left-back today.

Tolu Arokodare, who has registered six goals and one assist in his last five games for Ajax does not start today. Instead, it is Adams who leads the line.

Interestingly, Chelle has gone for a four-man midfield that sees captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Ibrahim, Alex Iwobi, and Tochukwu Nnadi all start. Then Ademola Lookman plays just in front of them. No space for Moses Usor, Moses Simon, or Awoniyi in the starting eleven.

Your #SuperEagles team to face the Taifa Stars! ©️ Wilfred leads the pack 🛡️ Bassey partners Frederick 🆕 Nnadi makes home debut https://t.co/Lek0RRZSgu

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

Super Eagles XI: Stanley Nwabali; Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Abdullahi Bewene, Ola Aina; Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams.