According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday November 11, 2026, Tanzania have sent a strong warning to Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of their two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter, insisting that they are not intimidated by the quality or reputation of the Nigerian national team.

A Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) official, Almasi Kasongo, declared that his country's players are prepared to fight for a positive result against the Super Eagles, despite Nigeria's status as one of Africa's most successful football nations.

Kasongo made the remarks after the Tanzanian delegation arrived in Uyo, where the first meeting between both countries will take place.

The return fixture will be played in Zanzibar, with both encounters carrying significant importance for Nigeria's hopes of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Kasongo insisted that Tanzania would not approach the match with fear, while acknowledging the quality and experience within the Nigerian squad.

"We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria's players and their pedigree," he said, as quoted by Pulse Sports.

The Tanzanian official further explained that his country have players competing in domestic and foreign leagues who are capable of challenging the Super Eagles.

"We are well prepared and have players from the local scene and abroad who are equal to the task as well. We are here to fight and get a result. We recognise Nigeria's quality, but we will go to the stadium to get a result," Kasongo added.

His comments come at a time when Nigeria are under considerable pressure to improve their position in Group L following an inconsistent start to their qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles began their journey with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, giving supporters hope that the team would enjoy a comfortable qualification campaign.

However, Eric Chelle's men suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second match, leaving Nigeria with work to do in their pursuit of the group's only available qualification spot.

The result increased the importance of the upcoming fixtures against Tanzania, as another setback could make Nigeria's qualification situation more complicated.

Guinea-Bissau have emerged as a major threat after also securing a victory over Tanzania, making the competition for the available qualification position increasingly important.

Interestingly, Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON because they will co-host the tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.

This means the Taifa Stars do not need to qualify through Group L, unlike Nigeria, who must finish at the top of the group to secure their place at the competition.

Nevertheless, Tanzania's qualification status has not stopped them from preparing seriously for the two encounters.

Kasongo's statement suggests that the East African country intend to use the opportunity to test themselves against Nigeria and demonstrate that they can compete with some of the continent's biggest football nations.

The Super Eagles will also be aware that Tanzania have the motivation to make a statement, particularly after their recent meetings with Nigeria.

At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria defeated Tanzania in their group-stage encounter, with Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi scoring to secure the victory.

That result gives the Super Eagles a positive reference point ahead of the upcoming doubleheader, although Chelle's team cannot afford to rely solely on their previous success.