Taifa Stars’ clashes must-games, Ex-int’ls charge Eagles

Former Nigerian football stars Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi have warned the Super Eagles not to take their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania lightly. The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13, with a return match in Zanzibar on November 17. The Super Eagles, currently second in Group L, have only three points from two games after victories over Madagascar and a loss to Guinea-Bissau.

Tanzania has already secured their spot as co-hosts, leaving only one berth available in the group. Okpala, who played in Nigeria's 1980 AFCON-winning side and served as assistant coach to the late Stephen Keshi during their 2013 AFCON triumph, emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford any mistakes. "They should know that for them to qualify, they have to play to win all the games now and hope that someone will lose the game," he stated.

Obafemi, a gold medalist from the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, urged caution, citing Nigeria's past World Cup exit. "Thunder does not strike twice, but we have to be very careful. We know how we lost out in the World Cup, and we have to be very careful here so we do not miss out here. Nothing less than 100 per cent, so we can qualify for the AFCON and not experience a repeat," he added.

The Super Eagles now have a complete squad in Uyo, with all 24 invited players present as of Wednesday.