AFCON 2027Q: Tanzania Won’t Be Intimidated By Super Eagles – Kasongo

Almasi Kasongo, a top official of the Tanzania Football Federation ,TFF, has insisted that the Taifa Stars are not intimidated by the reputation of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter.

Miguel Gamondi’s men will face the Super Eagles in a Matchday Three fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Nigeria go into the encounter as favourites, having recorded seven victories in 11 previous meetings with Tanzania, while the remaining four matches ended in draws.

The Super Eagles also secured a 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars in their most recent meeting during the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.

Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s quality and experience, Kasongo expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to compete and secure a positive result.

“We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria’s players and their pedigree. We are well prepared and have players from the local scene and abroad who are equal to the task as well,” Kasongo told reporters following the Taifa Stars’ arrival in Uyo on Monday.

“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.”

Tanzania have endured a difficult start to their Group L campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau before settling for a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in their opening two matches.

However, having already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, the Taifa Stars will use their remaining qualifying fixtures as an opportunity to build momentum and prepare for the continental showpiece.

Adeboye Amosu is a seasoned sports journalist and Senior Content Writer with extensive experience covering Nigerian football and international football. He specializes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), provides insightful coverage, match reports, news, and analysis of the domestic game. Adeboye also follows the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Chelsea, bringing his knowledge of the teams, players, and competitions to his writing.