Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be hoping to keep their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on track when they face Tanzania in a double-header in November.
After defeating Madagascar 2-1 on matchday one, the Super Eagles suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau on matchday two.
The Nigerian side will now have an opportunity to bounce back, starting with a home fixture against Tanzania, who, incidentally, will co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Ahead of the crucial encounters, Completesports.com’s James Agberebi takes a look at five unforgettable previous home encounters between the Super Eagles and Tanzania.
NIGERIA 2-1 TANZANIA (1973 ALL-AFRICA GAMES – GROUP STAGE)
The first time the Super Eagles hosted Tanzania was in the group stage of the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos.
Known as the Green Eagles at the time, the Nigerian team faced Tanzania in their final group fixture.
Before the encounter, the Super Eagles had beaten Ghana 4-2 and drawn 2-2 with Algeria in their opening two matches.
After 90 minutes, the Super Eagles emerged 2-1 winners and progressed to the semi-finals alongside Ghana.
In the semi-finals, Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 before beating Guinea 2-0 in the final to clinch the gold medal in the football event.
Also Read: 2027 AFCONQ: 5 Players Chelle Should Consider For Super Eagles’ Clashes With Tanzania
NIGERIA 3-1 TANZANIA (1980 AFCON – GROUP STAGE)
The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations was hosted by Nigeria, with the Super Eagles drawn in Group A alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt.
The tournament’s opening match was between Nigeria and Tanzania, with the hosts emerging 3-1 winners.
A goalless draw with Côte d’Ivoire and a 1-0 victory over Egypt in their second and third matches, respectively, saw the Super Eagles finish top of the group and advance to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Nigeria edged out Morocco 1-0 before outclassing Algeria 3-0 in the final to clinch their first-ever AFCON title.
NIGERIA 1-1 TANZANIA (1982 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – SECOND ROUND)
After overcoming Tunisia in the first round of the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles faced Tanzania in the second round.
The first-leg encounter was played at the National Stadium in Lagos, where the Super Eagles were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw.
However, Nigeria secured qualification for the third round thanks to a 2-0 away victory in Dar es Salaam.
In the third round, the Super Eagles defeated Guinea 2-1 on aggregate, recording a 1-1 draw away from home before securing a 1-0 victory in Lagos. However, they failed to secure a World Cup ticket after losing to Algeria in the final round.
The Algerians defeated Nigeria 2-0 in Lagos before recording a 2-1 home victory to secure their first-ever World Cup appearance.
NIGERIA 2-0 TANZANIA (2002 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)
The Super Eagles hosted Tanzania in an international friendly in Lagos in 2002 and secured a 2-0 victory.
It was the second time both teams had met in a friendly, following their first encounter in 1972, which ended in a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam.
Also Read: Super Eagles Review: Talking Points From AFCON Qualifiers And Russia Friendly
NIGERIA 1-0 TANZANIA (2017 AFCON QUALIFIERS – GROUP STAGE)
Tanzania travelled to Uyo to face the Super Eagles in the final group fixture of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
The encounter was inconsequential, as Egypt had already secured the group’s only qualification ticket ahead of Nigeria and Tanzania.
Despite failing to qualify for the tournament, the Super Eagles ended their qualifying campaign on a winning note, defeating Tanzania 1-0 courtesy of a 79th-minute goal from Kelechi Iheanacho.
