Nigeria’s Super Eagles could return to Lagos for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Tanzania, with the renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium emerging as a potential venue for the crucial encounter.

The proposed change of venue is still under consideration, with approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) remaining the major hurdle before the Lagos stadium can host the senior national team.

According to reports, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is weighing the possibility of moving the home fixture from the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Super Eagles have played their home matches since 2022. 

The possible relocation comes as Nigeria prepares for a double-header against Tanzania in November, with the Super Eagles scheduled to host the first leg before travelling to Zanzibar City for the return fixture.

Although the reason for the proposed switch has not been officially confirmed, the ongoing renovation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium has strengthened Lagos’ prospects of hosting the national team again.

The stadium has reportedly undergone significant upgrades, including the installation of a natural grass playing surface and improvements to other facilities.

However, the completion of the work and the venue’s readiness for international football will need to be established before CAF can grant approval.  

The NFF must complete the necessary inspection and certification process to ensure the facility meets CAF’s requirements for hosting an international fixture.

Until that process is concluded and approval granted, the proposed move remains unconfirmed.

A return to Lagos would mark a significant moment for Nigerian football, given the city’s historic association with the Super Eagles and its status as one of the country’s major football centres.

Lagos previously served as a regular home for the national team and hosted the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations at the National Stadium in Surulere. Nigeria lost that final to Cameroon 4-3 on penalties after the match ended in a draw.

However, years of inadequate maintenance affected the condition of major sporting facilities in Lagos, limiting the city’s ability to host top-level international football consistently.

The reported renovation of Teslim Balogun Stadium has renewed hopes that Lagos could once again become a venue for major national team fixtures.

A Super Eagles match in the commercial capital would also give supporters in Lagos and neighbouring states an opportunity to watch the national team without travelling to Uyo.

Nevertheless, the proposed return comes at a critical point in Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second match, leaving them needing a strong response in the remaining fixtures. 

With Tanzania next on the schedule, Nigeria will be looking to secure vital points as the battle for qualification intensifies.

The AFCON 2027 tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Tanzania’s status as one of the host nations means the qualification arrangements for Group L differ from those in most other groups, with only the highest-ranked team among the remaining nations qualifying alongside the automatic hosts. 

For now, the Super Eagles’ potential return to Lagos depends on the outcome of the stadium inspection and CAF’s final decision.

If approval is secured and the renovation work is completed on schedule, Teslim Balogun Stadium could provide the setting for Nigeria’s next home assignment against Tanzania.

Until then, Uyo remains the established home venue, and the NFF has yet to confirm any change officially.