According to a report by Soccernet on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) official Almasi Kasongo has sent a strong message to Nigeria ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash, declaring that the Taifa Stars are not intimidated by the Super Eagles.

Tanzania are scheduled to take on Eric Chelle's side at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, November 13, with Kasongo expressing confidence that his team can compete against the Nigerian giants.

Speaking to journalists after the Tanzanian delegation arrived in Uyo, the TFF official recognised the quality and experience within Nigeria's squad but insisted that his players were prepared to give their opponents a difficult challenge.

“We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria's players and their pedigree,” he said.

Kasongo further stated that Tanzania had made sufficient preparations for the encounter and had talented players capable of matching the Super Eagles on the pitch.

However, Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has suffered two setbacks ahead of the fixture, as Young Africans players Clement Mzize and Dickson Job have been left out of the travelling squad.

The pair were permitted to remain with their club to continue their recovery after suffering injuries, reducing Gamondi's available options to 22 players from the original 24-man selection.

The Taifa Stars have struggled to make a positive start to their Group L campaign, having suffered a 2-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau before playing out a 1-1 draw with Madagascar.

Nevertheless, Tanzania have already guaranteed their place at the 2027 AFCON through their status as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are under considerable pressure to secure maximum points from the two-legged contest after following their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles will be determined to take advantage of playing at home when they welcome Tanzania, especially considering that the East African nation have never beaten Nigeria in their previous 11 meetings.

The West African giants have recorded seven wins in those encounters, while the other four matches ended in draws, leaving Tanzania without a victory against their upcoming opponents.

The first meeting will be played in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before the two nations travel to Tanzania for the return fixture on November 17.