Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania

Nigeria arrive on the back of a defeat in their latest Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, making Thursday’s Group L meeting with Tanzania a chance to respond. The sides are close in the standings: Nigeria are second on three points, while Tanzania are third on one, a gap of two points after two matches apiece.

A small gap, meaningful stakes

With both teams having played twice, this is an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen their position above Tanzania, while the visitors can draw level on points with a win. Both teams have a goal difference of minus two, so the difference between them is currently their points total and Nigeria’s one-place advantage.

Two-match competition form

Nigeria’s qualifying results have been a win followed by a defeat. Across those two matches, they scored twice and conceded four, and their most recent outing ended in defeat. At home in this competition, Nigeria won their one match, scoring twice and conceding once.

Tanzania have taken a draw and a defeat from their two qualifying matches, scoring once and conceding three. Their latest match finished level. Away from home in this competition, they drew their one match, scoring and conceding once.

Nigeria lead the recent meeting

The teams’ most recent encounter came in December 2025 at the Africa Cup of Nations, when Nigeria won 2-1. Nigeria have won the only meeting in the available head-to-head record, with Tanzania yet to claim a win or draw against them.

Nigeria’s forward threat in focus

Nigeria’s two goals in their sole home qualifying match offer encouragement as they look to turn home advantage into a response. Tanzania, meanwhile, scored in their away draw, so the visitors have shown they can find a goal on the road.

Our prediction

Nigeria have the edge, with home advantage and their higher position providing reasons for a cautious lean towards the hosts. A draw remains a plausible alternative, and the combined likelihood of a draw or Tanzania win is greater than the chance of a Nigeria victory, so the hosts’ advantage is far from secure.