Nigerian football fans have expressed confidence in the Super Eagles to defeat Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Uyo, despite the expected absence of striker Victor Osimhen.
Supporters in Akwa Ibom are also stepping up mobilisation efforts ahead of Friday’s encounter, with plans to attract a strong crowd to cheer the national team.
Nigeria will host Tanzania on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.
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The Super Eagles trail Guinea-Bissau by three points in Group L, with only the group winners guaranteed qualification for the tournament, making the two matches crucial to Nigeria’s campaign.
Supporters mobilise for Uyo encounter
Imaobong Udofa, Chairperson of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Akwa Ibom Chapter, said Nigeria’s superior head-to-head record against Tanzania gave her confidence ahead of the encounter.
Udofa said the club met to discuss strategies for mobilising support for the national team.
She added that members were making financial contributions to welcome visiting supporters and ensure a strong turnout at the stadium.
“We are contributing money to welcome visitors coming in, and we have to task ourselves.
“It is a big match, and we must mobilise enough fans, including supporters coming from outside the state, to cheer the Eagles to victory,” she said.
Udofa expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would make Nigerians proud when they face Tanzania on Friday.
“We are always expected to win. Winning is our priority, and we believe this particular team will make us proud,” she said.
Fans back Super Eagles despite Osimhen’s absence
Similarly, CarMike Ukpabio, a former Calabar Rovers goalkeeper, said the Super Eagles had the quality to defeat Tanzania convincingly.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria could beat the Taifa Stars both at home and away in the qualifying campaign, despite the absence of Osimhen.
“The Super Eagles have the quality to beat the Taifa Stars both at home and away in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
“I know records do not play football, and Victor Osimhen may not be available, but the players on the ground will make a name for themselves,” Ukpabio said.
He, however, cautioned the players and technical crew against underestimating their opponents, warning that complacency could lead to an upset.
Coaches urge Super Eagles to attack from the start
Also speaking, Daniel Umoette, Chairman of Coaches in Akwa Ibom, urged the Super Eagles to adopt an attacking approach from the start of the match.
“We must take the game to the Tanzanians to get an early goal, unsettle them and attract more support from fans in the stadium.
“If our players can score about two goals in the first half, that will calm the nerves and force the visitors to chase the game,” he said.
Umoette urged the players to combine technical quality, unity of purpose and defensive and attacking discipline to secure maximum points.
Nigeria and Tanzania have met eight times, with the Super Eagles recording five victories and three draws without a defeat.
The Super Eagles opened camp in Uyo on Tuesday and held their first training session with 12 players in attendance.
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