AFCON 2027: Okpala and Obafemi demand two wins against Tanzania
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Former Nigerian internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi urged the Super Eagles to win both their matches against Tanzania, on Friday in Uyo and Tuesday in Zanzibar, to remain in contention in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Nigeria, second in Group L with three points, must make up ground on the only available qualifying place, with Tanzania already qualified as co-hosts, according to Punch.
Former Nigerian internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi have called on the Super Eagles to win both their matches against Tanzania in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, reports Punch. Nigeria, second in Group L with three points from two matches, will host the Taifa Stars on Friday 13 November in Uyo before travelling to Zanzibar on Tuesday 17 November.
Tanzania, already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, leaves one qualifying place available in the group. Sylvanus Okpala, a former player in Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning team and Stephen Keshi’s former assistant during the 2013 triumph, believes Nigeria must win all its matches, notably against Guinea-Bissau, who beat it 3-0. Abiodun Obafemi, an Olympic champion with Nigeria in 1996, also calls for caution after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup. The 24 players called up by Nigeria gathered in Uyo on Wednesday, while Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, had arrived there on Tuesday, according to Punch. The Super Eagles and Taifa Stars expected in Uyo after flight delays were announced on 10 November.
