Nigeria seek to extend five-point lead over Tanzania

Group L gap at stake

Nigeria sit second in Group L with six points after three matches, five clear of fourth-placed Tanzania, who have one. A Nigeria win would widen that gap; a Tanzania victory would reduce the gap to two points.

Tanzania are already qualified as co-hosts. Nigeria’s qualification contest is with Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the other place from Group L.

Tanzania’s home scoring challenge

Tanzania have scored no goals and conceded two in their one home match in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Nigeria, meanwhile, have scored five and conceded five across three matches in this competition, but their one away fixture ended in a defeat in which they conceded three and scored none.

That makes Tanzania’s home attack a key test, while Nigeria’s away performance offers a possible opening for the hosts. A pattern to watch is whether Tanzania can turn their home scoring record around against a side that has yet to keep a clean sheet in this qualifying campaign.

Nigeria won the latest meeting

Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in their most recent meeting, in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on November 13. Nigeria have won both of the last two meetings listed, with no draws and no Tanzania wins.

Our prediction

Nigeria have the stronger position in the group and won the latest meeting, but their away defeat and Tanzania’s chance to respond at home leave room for another outcome. Nigeria have the edge, though a draw remains a plausible result.