Eric Chelle, the Nigeria head coach, has his 24 players in Uyo ahead of the match against Tanzania. Newcomer Mubarak Suleiman, a 19-year-old midfielder from Slavia Prague, is in the squad, as is captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The count is complete. All 24 players called up by Eric Chelle, the Nigeria head coach, are present in Uyo ahead of the visit of Tanzania, despite a delayed arrival caused by flight problems at Victor Attah International Airport, according to the Nigerian daily Daily Trust.
The final group of arrivals was led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, accompanied in particular by Bruno Onyemaechi, Abdullahi Bewene, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor and a 19-year-old newcomer, Mubarak Suleiman, according to Opera News/Pulse.ng. On the eve of the first match, the squad is therefore at full strength to prepare for the Friday 13 November meeting at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (5pm Nigerian time), according to New Telegraph.
Suleiman, the surprise of the camp
Mubarak Suleiman’s first call-up is the main source of curiosity in this camp. The 19-year-old midfielder plays for Slavia Prague, where he has extended his contract until June 2031. Trained at the Right2Win Academy in Abuja, he has scored 5 goals in 6 Youth League matches, according to Opera News/The Punch.
On 20 October, the player became the first Nigerian teenager to start a Champions League match since Alex Iwobi in March 2016, in Fenerbahçe-Slavia Prague, reports Opera News/The Punch.
A decisive double-header for Nigeria
In Group L, Nigeria have 3 points and sit second after a 2-1 win against Madagascar and a 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau, according to New Telegraph. Tanzania, for their part, have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, specifies Opera News/Pulse.ng.
On the squad front, Victor Osimhen is missing after knee surgery, and Samuel Chukwueze is also out, indicates Opera News/Pulse.ng. According to Afrik-Foot, Ademola Lookman, 28, could be left on the bench against Tanzania because of his poor form with Atlético (15 matches, 9 starts).
Nnadi, Lookman and what comes next
Olympique de Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has made seven appearances for OM since returning from injury, including five starts, with a 92.2% pass completion rate, according to Apex Football/Afrik-Foot.
The schedule is tight: after Friday’s home match in Uyo, the Super Eagles will travel to Zanzibar for the return leg on Tuesday 17 November, according to Africa Sport.