Some football fans and stakeholders have expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to defeat Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Uyo.
The fans expressed their optimism on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo.
Imaobong Udofa, Chairperson, Super Eagles, Supporters Club, Akwa Ibom Chapter, said Nigeria had a superior head-to-head record against Tanzania.
Udofa said the club held a meeting on Monday to discuss strategies for mobilising massive support for the national team.
She said members were making financial contributions to welcome visiting supporters and ensure adequate mobilisation for the match.
“We are contributing money to welcome visitors coming in, and we have to task ourselves.
“It is a big match, and we must mobilise enough fans, including supporters coming from outside the state, to cheer the Eagles to victory,” she said.
Udofa expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would make Nigerians proud when they face Tanzania on Friday.
“We are always expected to win. Winning is our priority, and we believe this particular team will make us proud,” she said.
Similarly, CarMike Ukpabio, a former Calabar Rovers goalkeeper, said the Super Eagles possessed the quality to defeat Tanzania convincingly.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria could beat the Taifa Stars both at home and away in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
“The Super Eagles have the quality to beat the Taifa Stars both home and away in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
“I know records do not play football, and Victor Osimhen may not be available, but the players on ground will make a name for themselves,” Ukpabio said.
He, however, cautioned the players and technical crew against underestimating their opponents to avoid an upset.
Also speaking, Daniel Umoette, Chairman of Coaches in Akwa Ibom, advised the Super Eagles to adopt an attacking approach from the start of the encounter.
“We must take the game to the Tanzanians to get an early goal, unsettle them and attract more support from fans in the stadium.
“If our players can score about two goals in the first half, that will calm the nerves and force the visitors to chase the game,” he said.
Umoette urged the players to combine technical finesse, unity of purpose and defensive and attacking discipline to secure maximum points.
NAN reports that Nigeria and Tanzania have met eight times, with the Super Eagles recording five victories and three draws without suffering a defeat.
NAN also reports that the Super Eagles opened camp in Uyo on Tuesday and held their first training session with 12 players in attendance.
