2027 AFCONQ: Don’t Underrate Tanzania — Udeze Warns Super Eagles
Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has warned Nigeria’s national team against underestimating Tanzania ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, insisting that the team must approach every match with seriousness and determination.
Udeze’s warning comes amid growing attention surrounding Nigeria’s Group L opponents, with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau standing between the Super Eagles and a successful qualifying campaign.
Speaking during an interview with Brila FM, the former Nigerian international stressed that the Super Eagles must not allow their reputation or previous achievements to create a false sense of security.
According to Udeze, Tanzania have every reason to be confident, especially as they prepare to face one of Africa’s most decorated national teams.
He said he was not surprised by Tanzania’s confidence, adding that Nigeria must respect every opponent and avoid unnecessary complacency.
The former defender further urged the technical crew to ensure that the Super Eagles approach all their matches with their strongest available squad.
“We must play every team with our full strength, and the rest will be history,” Udeze stated.
Udeze’s comments also reflect concerns surrounding Nigeria’s recent performances in major international qualifying competitions.
The Super Eagles endured a difficult 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, struggling to maintain consistency before their hopes of reaching the tournament were eventually ended.
The former defender believes the experience should serve as a reminder that Nigerian football must not take any opponent for granted.
He wants the team to approach the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with improved concentration, discipline and commitment.
Nigeria were drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau away from home.
Those results have increased the pressure on Nigeria as they look to strengthen their position in the group.
Tanzania, meanwhile, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as one of the host nations alongside Kenya and Uganda. Consequently, only one additional qualification spot is available from Group L.
With the next round of fixtures approaching, the Super Eagles will need to deliver convincing performances to keep their qualification ambitions on track.
Nigeria will face Tanzania in a double-header, with the first encounter scheduled for November 13 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, while the return fixture will take place on November 17 in Tanzania.
For Udeze, the message is clear: Nigeria must respect every opponent, play with their full strength and avoid repeating the mistakes of previous qualifying campaigns.
The former international believes that approaching every match with the right mentality will be crucial if the Super Eagles are to secure their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
