Super Eagles: Eric Chelle's men get timely boost ahead of Tanzania clash

Key players Clement Mzize and Dickson Job have been ruled out of the crucial fixture against Chelle's men.

The Young Africans duo failed to travel with the rest of the squad to Nigeria on Monday and will remain at their club to continue treatment.

Tanzania Football Federation media director Clifford Ndimbo confirmed both players had been given permission to stay behind for recovery.

Mzize and Job had only recently returned from previous injury lay-offs, making their fresh setbacks a significant blow to head coach Miguel Gamondi’s preparations

Gamondi will now have just 22 players available for the two matches.

Tanzania face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday before hosting the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November, at the Amaan Stadium.

For Eric Chelle's men, these two games will be treated as absolute must-wins.

Nigeria sit second in Group L with just three points after a narrow victory over Madagascar and a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. 

Tanzania are already assured of qualification as co-hosts of the 2027 finals, meaning only one ticket remains available in the group.

Guinea-Bissau currently lead with six points, leaving Nigeria under intense pressure to secure maximum points