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By Oscar Okhifo
Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has offered some relief to the Super Eagles, but calls for a comprehensive rebuilding of the senior national team have persisted amid concerns over the declining fortunes of Nigerian football.
The victory, secured at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, moved Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. It also revived the country’s qualification campaign following the disappointing 3-0 defeat to the same opponents in September.
However, the result has done little to douse concerns over the state of the country’s most celebrated national football team, particularly after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigerian football, especially at the senior national team level, has been struggling, with growing calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the Super Eagles to restore their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
Football followers and stakeholders have argued that Nigeria’s abundance of talent should translate into a more consistent and formidable national team, rather than the recurring disappointments that have characterised its recent outings.
Aron Akerejola, a sports reporter with Arise Television, said the victory over Tanzania should not be mistaken for a resolution of the challenges confronting the team, insisting that more needed to be done to strengthen the squad.
“Not yet uhuru. By all means, the team should be strengthened to take its rightful place. There are so many talents to fish from to replace tired legs. The stakeholders just need the commitment to do what is right,” he said.
Akerejola’s position reflects growing demands for improvements in the technical and administrative structures of Nigerian football, particularly in talent identification, player development and ensuring that selection into the national team is based on merit and current form.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has also pledged to restore Nigerian sports to their glory days through reforms aimed at repositioning the sector and harnessing the country’s sporting potential.
The Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, have been spearheading efforts to improve sports administration, strengthen institutional structures and promote sustainable development across the country’s sporting disciplines.
The Federal Government’s football reform agenda has similarly identified governance, transparency, accountability, stakeholder representation and grassroots development as key priorities in repositioning Nigerian football.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle acknowledged after Friday’s match that his team had another important assignment ahead, urging his players to remain focused ahead of the return fixture.
“There is another game. Very important game in Tanzania in the next few days and we have to go and win it,” Chelle said.
His Tanzanian counterpart, Miguel Angel Gamondi, attributed his team’s defeat partly to challenges surrounding travel arrangements and preparations, suggesting that the difficulties affected his players’ readiness for the encounter.
For the Super Eagles, the immediate task is to sustain their recovery in the qualifying campaign when they face Tanzania again in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
Nigeria currently occupy second position in Group L with six points from three matches, behind Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points. Madagascar have two points, while Tanzania have one.
Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to battle for the remaining qualifying ticket from the group.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, a setback that increased the pressure on the team ahead of Friday’s encounter.
Against Tanzania, Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early lead in the second minute, but the visitors drew level through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute.
Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor at half-time, and the substitutions proved decisive. Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace eight minutes later to seal the 3-1 victory.
While the result has given the Super Eagles an opportunity to consolidate their position in the group, stakeholders insist that a single victory cannot address the deeper problems confronting Nigerian football. They argue that sustained reforms, effective administration and the discovery and development of fresh talents are essential to restoring the country’s place among Africa’s football powers