AFCON 2027Q: Tanzania vs Nigeria — Predicted XI, Head-to-Head, Kick-Off Time

The Taifa Stars of Tanzania prepare to welcome the Super Eagles of Nigeria to Zanzibar City on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, for the fourth matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Completesports.com reports.

This quick-fire reverse fixture comes hot on the heels of an entertaining battle in Uyo on Friday, November 13, where Nigeria stamped their authority with a clinical 3–1 victory to claim all three points on home soil.

Table of Contents

​That result has shaped Group L’s standings as the qualification campaign hits its halfway mark. Guinea-Bissau currently set the pace at the summit of the table with 7 points from three matches, closely followed by Nigeria in second place with 6 points. Meanwhile, Madagascar occupy third spot with 2 points, leaving Tanzania rooted to the bottom of the group with 1 point.

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Arokodare Bags Brace, Yusuf Scores As Super Eagles Beat Tanzania 3-1

Although the Taifa Stars have already secured their place at the AFCON 2027 finals as tournament co-hosts, Miguel Gamondi’s side will be eager for a strong response and a measure of pride on home ground. However, they face a daunting task against a high-flying Nigerian side determined to consolidate their grip on the automatic qualification spots and sustain momentum.

Tanzania vs Nigeria Match Details

Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualification (Group L)

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Kickoff: 2:00 PM WAT (Local Nigerian Time)

Venue: Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City

Where to Watch: Broadcast live across Sub-Saharan Africa on SuperSport, AfroSport TV, and available via digital streaming platforms.

Taifa Stars and Super Eagles Form Guide

Tanzania ​Recent Form: L–D–L–W–L–L (1 Win, 1 Draw, 4 Losses)

Tanzania, while entering as underdogs, have demonstrated resilience in recent continental outings. The Taifa Stars will aim to stay compact defensively and exploit transitional moments to frustrate the hosts. However, breaking down a stern Nigerian defensive setup while withstanding relentless attacking pressure in Uyo will present a massive test for the visitors.

Tanzania (Taifa Stars) — Last 6 Matches

•November 13, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
Result: Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania

​•September 29, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
​Result: Madagascar 1–1 Tanzania

​•September 25, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
​Result: Tanzania 0–2 Guinea-Bissau

​•March 29, 2026 — International Friendly
​Result: Macao 0–6 Tanzania

​•March 26, 2026 — International Friendly
​Result: Tanzania 0–1 Liechtenstein

•​January 4, 2026 — Africa Cup of Nations (Round of 16)
​Result: Morocco 1–0 Tanzania

Nigeria Recent Form: W–D–L–W–L–D (2 Wins, 2 Draws, 2 Losses)

Nigeria enter this contest with clear ambitions to secure maximum points at the “Nest of Champions” in Uyo. Armed with an array of talent featuring high-profile European performers, the Super Eagles boast significant tactical depth across all departments.

Nigeria (Super Eagles) — Last 6 Matches

•November 13, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
Result: Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania

​•October 6, 2026 — International Friendly
​Result: Russia 3–3 Nigeria

​•September 29, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
​Result: Guinea-Bissau 3–0 Nigeria

​•September 25, 2026 — AFCON Qualification (Group L)
​Result: Nigeria 2–1 Madagascar
​
•June 10, 2026 — International Friendly
​Result: Portugal 2–1 Nigeria

​•June 3, 2026 — International Friendly
​Result: Poland 2–2 Nigeria

Nigeria vs Tanzania: Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Nigeria hold a dominant upper hand in this fixture. Across 12 previous international meetings, the Super Eagles remain undefeated against the Taifa Stars.

Total Meetings: 12
Nigeria Wins: 8
Draws: 4
Tanzania Wins: 0
Last Meeting: Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania (AFCON 2026 Qualification, Group L Matchday 3)

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Chelle Reacts To Tanzania Win; Gives Lookman Injury Update, Hails Arokodare

All-Time Head-to-Head Matches

•July 6, 1972 — International Friendly
Result: Nigeria 0–0 Tanzania

•November 6, 1972 — International Friendly
Result: Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania

•November 11, 1972 — International Friendly
Result: Nigeria 3–2 Tanzania

•January 12, 1973 — All-Africa Games
Result: Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania

•February 20, 1976 — International Friendly
Result: Nigeria 0–0 Tanzania

•March 8, 1980 — Africa Cup of Nations (Group Stage)
Result: Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania

•December 6, 1980 — FIFA World Cup Qualification
Result: Nigeria 1–1 Tanzania

•December 20, 1980 — FIFA World Cup Qualification
Result: Tanzania 0–2 Nigeria

•September 5, 2015 — Africa Cup of Nations Qualification
Result: Tanzania 0–0 Nigeria

•September 3, 2016 — Africa Cup of Nations Qualification
Result: Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania

•December 23, 2025 — Africa Cup of Nations (Group Stage)
Result: Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania

•November 13, 2026 – AFCON 2027 Qualification (Group L Matchday 3)
Result: Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania

Tanzania vs Nigeria: Predicted Starting Lineups

Taifa Stars Predicted XI (Formation: (4-3-3)

Taifa stars Head Coach, Miguel Gamondi, may settle for 4-3-3 structure designed to go on a spirited offensive play while hunting for a home win in front of their teeming fans at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.

​Goalkeeper:
Aishi Manula

​Defenders:
Nathaniel Chilambo (RB), Dickson Job (CB), Bakari Nwamnyeto (CB), Novatus Miroshi (LB)

​Midfielders:
Himid Mao (DM), Alphonce M..Msanga (CM), Feisal Salum (AM)

​Forwards:
Cyprian Kachwele (RW), Simon Msuva (ST), Kibu Denis (LW)

Super Eagles Predicted XI (Formation: 4-4-2)

In the absence of Victor Osimhen and  the unavailabilty of Ademola Lookman who was subbed off in the first half against Tanzania in Uyo due to injury, Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle may adopt  4-4-2 formation and start Tolu Arokodare who came off the bench in that first leg and emerged as the match hero after scoring twice in the 3–1 win.

Goalkeeper:
Stanley Nwabali

Defenders:
Abdullahi Bewene (RB), Calvin Bassey (CB), Benjamin Frederick CB), Ola Aina (LB)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (DM), Alex Iwobi (CM), Alhassan Yusuf (AM), Tochukwu Nnadi (AM)

Forwards:
Tolu Arokodare (ST), Akor Adams

Players To Watch Out

Taifa Stars (Tanzania)

Taifa Stars of Tanzania midfielder Alphonce Msanga

Alphonce Msanga

Following an industrious and combative midfield performance against Nigeria in Uyo—where he capped off his tireless box-to-box display by scoring Tanzania’s goal— Msanga enters the return leg as a vital cog in the Taifa Stars’ engine room.

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: The Quality, Gap Between Us And Nigeria Is Very Big — Tanzania Head Coach Gamondi

The JS Kabylie of Algeria midfielder Known for his high work rate, tactical discipline, and ability to break up opposition plays while driving transitions from deep, his combative presence will be essential as Tanzania seek to disrupt the Super Eagles’ rhythm in Zanzibar City.

Novatus Miroshi

Miroshi, a versatile Goztepe S.K. of Turkey player offers critical international experience and tactical flexibility at left-back. Possessing strong recovery speed, physical presence, and impressive progressive passing.

Against the Super Eagles in Uyo, Miroshi turnednout well. He provided the assist for Msanga’s goal with unselfish play in the final third.

Super Eagles (Nigeria)

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare

After delivering a stellar, match-winning performance as a second-half substitute in the 3–1 victory against Tanzania in Uyo—where he netted two clinical goals to secure the three points—Arokodare enters this fixture in peak form.

Standing at an imposing height while boasting sharp positional awareness and lethal finishing inside the box, his ability to stretch defenses and capitalize on aerial or transitional opportunities makes him an indispensable weapon for the Super Eagles’ frontline.

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey

Calvin Bassey

The versatile left-sided center-back has firmly established himself as a structural defensive pillar for both Fulham in the Premier League and the Super Eagles.

Renowned for his exceptional recovery speed, physical dominance, and composure when playing out under pressure, Bassey provides the defensive balance Nigeria need to contain counter-attacks. His elite aerial capabilities and progressive left-footed distribution will be essential for building attacks from the back while keeping Tanzania’s frontline quiet in Uyo.

Match Prediction

Buoyed by their commanding 3–1 comeback victory in Uyo, the Super Eagles travel to Zanzibar City with renewed momentum and clear motivation in the race for Group L’s sole qualifying ticket.

While playing on home soil at Amaan Stadium allows the Taifa Stars to play with freedom and home pride—having already secured their finals spot as tournament co-hosts—Nigeria’s superior squad depth and clinical attacking options should once again prove decisive over the 90 minutes.

​Predicted Scoreline: Tanzania 1–2 Nigeria

Source:

Complete Sports