The Group L Matchday 3 encounter presents an important opportunity for Éric Chelle's men to strengthen their qualification hopes after a mixed start to the campaign.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in their second fixture. The results have left the three-time African champions with three points from two matches, three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Tanzania, meanwhile, have collected one point from their opening two games. However, the Taifa Stars have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Match details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Competition: 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Group L
Date: Friday, 13 November 2026
Kick-off: 5:00 pm Nigerian time
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Nigeria team news: Osimhen absence a major concern
Chelle will have to manage the fixture without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable because of injury.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi leads the 24-man squad, which also includes Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The attacking options give Nigeria different combinations to work with, but the coaching staff will need to find an effective solution to the absence of Osimhen, whose movement and finishing have been central to the Super Eagles' attacking threat.
There is also a fitness concern surrounding defender Semi Ajayi, who was named in the squad but suffered an injury while playing for Hull City. His availability will be important to Nigeria's defensive plans.
Tanzania arrive with less pressure
Tanzania will approach the encounter knowing that their place at the 2027 tournament is already guaranteed because of their co-host status.
Nevertheless, the Taifa Stars will be keen to produce a strong performance against one of Africa's most established national teams. Their position in the group means they can still influence the race for the remaining qualification place.
Nigeria must therefore avoid underestimating their opponents, particularly after the setback against Guinea-Bissau.
What is at stake for the Super Eagles?
The qualification situation makes Friday's fixture particularly important for Nigeria. With Guinea-Bissau leading the group on six points, the Super Eagles cannot afford another disappointing result.
A victory would move Nigeria to six points and put pressure on the group leaders. It would also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the return fixture against Tanzania on 17 November.
The Super Eagles will be expected to take control of the game, use their attacking quality and show greater defensive discipline than they did in their previous away defeat.
Prediction
Nigeria have the stronger squad on paper and will enjoy home advantage in Uyo. However, they must turn that advantage into an effective performance rather than allow pressure to affect their decision-making.
Tanzania could make the contest difficult, but Nigeria's attacking depth should give them the edge.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Tanzania.