Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha has urged the Super Eagles to treat Tanzania's Taifa Stars with the utmost respect when the two sides meet in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Speaking to Completesports.com from his base in Texas, United States, Iroha stressed that nothing less than a victory will do for Nigeria after their shock defeat to Guinea-Bissau left their Group L qualification hopes rattled.

Three points a must, says Iroha

"After the Super Eagles' defeat to Guinea-Bissau, a result that jolted our qualification hopes in Group L, it's important that we get the three points against Tanzania on Friday," Iroha said.

"The players should be determined and fight for every ball because victory against Tanzania is crucial to our quest to secure the sole 2027 AFCON ticket from the group."

Iroha pointed to Nigeria's loss against Guinea-Bissau as proof that no opponent should be dismissed. "Granted, Tanzania are not on the same pedestal as Nigeria when it comes to football, but things are changing. There are no more minnows in the game. Other countries are catching up fast, so the belief that Tanzania cannot beat the Super Eagles no longer holds," he said.

"Did you ever think Guinea-Bissau would beat the Super Eagles in the last match? That's part of the reason the Super Eagles should roll up their sleeves and fight for maximum points."

History favours Nigeria — but it means little now

Friday's fixture will be the 19th meeting between Nigeria and Tanzania across all competitions. In their last eight encounters, the Super Eagles have claimed five wins, with the remaining three ending in draws. Nigeria have scored 11 goals in those clashes; the Taifa Stars have managed just three in reply.

Despite that head-to-head advantage, Iroha's warning carries weight. Guinea-Bissau currently lead Group L with six points after two rounds of matches, with Nigeria second on three points. Madagascar sit third on one point, and Tanzania are bottom of the group — also on one point but with an inferior goal difference.

AFCON 2027: a historic three-nation tournament

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — the first time CAF has staged the tournament across three countries simultaneously. The competition is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Each group will produce a single qualifier, making every point in Group L critical for Nigeria's campaign.