Nigeria vs Tanzania Lineups Confirmed: Victor Osimhen Out as Taiwo Awoniyi Starts

Mohit Tomar

Modified - Nov 13, 2026, 03:43 PM

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Nigeria vs Tanzania Lineups Confirmed: Victor Osimhen Out as Taiwo Awoniyi Starts

Summary

Defensive Shake-Up: Head coach Eric Chelle makes bold calls at the back, dropping Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi to hand starts to Benjamin Fredrick and debutant left-back Abdullahi Bewene.
Attacking Setup: With Victor Osimhen ruled out through knee surgery, Akor Adams leads the line as a lone striker ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare, supported by Ademola Lookman.
Four-Man Midfield: Captain Wilfred Ndidi anchors a packed midfield alongside Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, and Tochukwu Nnadi.

The confirmed Nigeria vs Tanzania Lineups feature major tactical surprises from head coach Eric Chelle ahead of tonight's 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Kicking off at 9:30 PM IST (5:00 PM WAT), the Nigeria national football team vs Tanzania national football team showdown sees Chelle drop experienced center-back Semi Ajayi and first-choice left

The Nigeria Lineup vs Tanzania shifts away from the expected two-striker diamond, opting instead for a compact four-man midfield behind Ademola Lookman and lone frontman Akor Adams. The Nigeria Starting XI hands a first competitive start to left-back Abdullahi Bewene alongside center-back Benjamin Fredrick, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare s

Nigeria Starting XI (Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond)

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali (23)

Defenders: Ola Aina (2), Benjamin Fredrick (5), Calvin Bassey (21), Abdullahi Bewene (20)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (4 - c), Alhassan Yusuf (14), Alex Iwobi (17), Tochukwu Nnadi (18)

Attacking Midfielder: Ademola Lookman (7)

Striker: Akor Adams (22)

Team News & Availability

Tactical Changes: Semi Ajayi (who had a cramp scare earlier in the week) and Bruno Onyemaechi are benched in favor of Benjamin Fredrick and Abdullahi Bewene. Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, and Moses Simon also start on the bench.
Ruled Out / Omitted: Victor Osimhen (knee surgery), Samuel Chukwueze (hip surgery), and George Ilenikhena (fitness) are unavailable. Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho were omitted from the 24-man squad.

Tanzania Starting XI (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Aishi Manula

Defenders: Pascal Chilambo, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Lukanima, Novatus Miroshi

Defensive Midfielders: Himid Mao, Alphonce Mabula

Attacking Midfielders: Kelvin Kachwele, Feisal Salum, Kibu Denis

Striker: Simon Msuva

Team News & Availability

Ruled Out: Young Africans pair Clement Mzize and Dickson Job withdrew due to injuries and remained in Tanzania for medical treatment. Veteran striker Mbwana Samatta is also absent from the squad.
Call-ups: Azam FC winger Iddi Seleman Nado traveled with the squad to Uyo as offensive cover.