Nigeria know they cannot afford another setback in the current international window as they seek to keep their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on track.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, face Tanzania's Taifa Stars in a double-header, with the first encounter scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.

Nigeria's qualification hopes suffered a setback after they came from behind to defeat Madagascar's Barea in Uyo on September 25, only to lose 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

However, securing maximum points from both matches against Tanzania could revive their chances of reaching the finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, depending on the outcome of the other fixtures involving Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Head coach Éric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have stressed the importance of putting the defeat to Guinea-Bissau behind them and securing all six points against the Taifa Stars.

“We must work hard in these two matches and do everything to win. It is important to sustain the hope and all the players are in that mood to banish the memory of that defeat to Guinea Bissau and show their true quality.

“The spirit in camp is high and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches,” Chelle said.

Former junior international Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene provide additional defensive options for the Franco-Malian tactician.

In midfield, the availability of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani and Tochukwu Nnadi could provide an opportunity for a reshuffle as Nigeria seek to strengthen their performance in the middle of the pitch.

The Super Eagles will once again be without prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who sustained an injury while playing for Turkish club Galatasaray shortly before Chelle announced his squad for the two fixtures.

In his absence, Nigeria are expected to rely on the attacking contributions of Ademola Lookman, who plays for Atletico Madrid, Akor Adams of Italy and Tolu Arokodare of Ajax Amsterdam.

Arokodare arrives with an impressive scoring record, having registered 13 goals across the Dutch League and UEFA Conference League this season.

Veteran winger Moses Simon, who plays his club football in France, is also expected to provide leadership and inspiration against Tanzania.

For the Taifa Stars, Argentine coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi will look to experienced forwards Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu and Bernard Kamungo to trouble the Nigerian defence.

Following Friday's encounter in Uyo, both teams will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Super Eagles Squad for Tanzania Double-Header

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Mubarak Suleiman (SK Slavia Prague, Czechia).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).