A top official of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Almasi Kasongo, has declared that the Taifa Stars are not intimidated by the reputation of Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter.

Tanzania, led by head coach Miguel Gamondi, will take on Nigeria in a Matchday Three fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The Super Eagles enter the encounter as favourites, having dominated previous meetings between both countries with seven victories from 11 matches, while the remaining four encounters ended in draws.

Nigeria also defeated Tanzania 2-1 when both sides met in the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.

However, Kasongo insists that the Taifa Stars are prepared to challenge the three-time African champions and are travelling to Uyo with the ambition of securing a positive result.

Speaking to journalists following Tanzania's arrival in Uyo on Monday, the TFF official acknowledged Nigeria's pedigree but maintained that his country's players have the quality and determination to compete.

“We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria's players and their pedigree. We are well prepared and have players from the local scene and abroad who are equal to the task as well,” Kasongo said.

He further stressed that Tanzania would approach the encounter with a winning mentality despite the Super Eagles' impressive head-to-head record.

“We are here to fight and get a result. We recognise Nigeria's quality, but we will go to the stadium to get a result,” he added.

The Taifa Stars have endured a difficult beginning to their Group L qualifying campaign, losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau before playing out a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in their opening two fixtures.

Despite their disappointing results, Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-host nations.

The East Africans will, therefore, use their remaining qualifying matches to improve their competitiveness, strengthen team cohesion and build momentum ahead of the continental tournament.

For Nigeria, Friday's encounter presents an opportunity to assert their dominance and secure another important result against a Tanzanian side determined to cause an upset on their home soil.