Former Nigerian international Nduka Ugbade has called on the Super Eagles to claim maximum points from both legs of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, insisting the results are crucial to keeping Nigeria's campaign alive.

Nigeria's Group L matchday-three fixture is set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, when the Super Eagles host the Taifa Stars. With qualification for the 2027 continental tournament far from secured, football stakeholders and supporters have widely described the home clash as a must-win for the three-time African champions.

Confidence is key

Speaking to Completesports.com, Ugbade stressed that a commanding home victory would do more than earn three points — it would lift the spirits of the entire squad heading into the second leg.