A senior Tanzania Football Federation official has declared that the Taifa Stars will not be overawed by Nigeria's Super Eagles when the two sides meet in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

The match takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Miguel Gamondi's Tanzania side will face a Nigeria team that enters the fixture as clear favourites.

History favours Nigeria

The historical record strongly leans toward the Super Eagles. Nigeria have won seven of their 11 previous encounters with Tanzania, with the remaining four ending in draws. Their most recent meeting — a group-stage match at the 2025 AFCON — ended in a 2-1 victory for Nigeria.

Kasongo: "We are here to fight"

Almasi Kasongo, a TFF official, spoke to reporters following the Taifa Stars' arrival in Uyo on Monday, delivering a confident message despite acknowledging Nigeria's standing in African football.

"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."

"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."

A difficult qualifying campaign

Tanzania's form in Group L has been underwhelming. They opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and followed that with a 1-1 draw against Madagascar — leaving them without a win from their first two matches.

Yet the pressure of qualifying carries less weight for the Taifa Stars than it might for another side. Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts of the tournament. For Gamondi's squad, these remaining fixtures offer a chance to sharpen the team and build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece on home soil.