Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is expected to alter his Super Eagles selection in three places for the upcoming two-leg 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen set to lead the returning players.
Osimhen was unavailable for Nigeria’s previous qualifiers after sustaining a right adductor and groin problem while playing against İstanbul Başakşehir in early September.
The Galatasaray forward made his comeback on October 9, 2026, appearing as a substitute and supplying an important assist in a 3-1 league win over Kasımpaşa.
He subsequently made his first start since returning in Galatasaray’s Champions League opener. A Bursaspor forward who featured in Nigeria’s recent 3-3 friendly draw with Russia is also expected to be recalled. The player has been in impressive scoring form in Turkey, taking his season total to 14 goals after netting twice only days ago.
Abdullahi Bewene completes the reported trio of additions. The Banik Ostrava defender has earned his opportunity after delivering three dependable displays in friendly matches against Poland, Portugal and Russia.
The meetings with Tanzania arrive at a decisive stage of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles suffered a costly 3-0 group-stage loss to Guinea-Bissau before the break, leaving them second in Group L on three points from two games, three behind the leaders.
As one of the hosts of the 2027 finals, Tanzania are already assured of a place at the tournament and cannot occupy one of the qualification positions. Consequently, only the highest-placed non-host team in the group will reach the finals, increasing the pressure on Nigeria to take control of the double-header and sustain their standing over the remaining rounds.
Nigeria therefore need six points from the Tanzania fixtures to put themselves back in a strong position to claim Group L’s only automatic qualifying berth.
