Super Eagles news: Five games without a clean sheet before Tanzania

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle heads into the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania with Nigeria having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five games.

The run takes in the friendlies against Russia, Portugal and Poland, the qualifier against Madagascar and the 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau, according to Afrik-Foot. Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 but still conceded.

The defeat by Guinea-Bissau left Nigeria three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L, as Soccernet set out in our Group L breakdown.

A new-look squad, and a defence still being tested

Nine players made their international debuts in the draw with Russia, among them Peter Edokpolor, Igor Wilfred and Abubakar Umar. That churn has not produced a settled back line.

Afrik-Foot names defender Semi Ajayi, winger Bright Osayi-Samuel and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as proven quality. It argues that younger players Chibuike Nwaiwu, Abdullahi Bewene and Benjamin Fredrick deserve more minutes.

Analysis: goals alone will not fix the table

Victor Osimhen is back after missing the October fixtures, and Kelechi Iheanacho arrives on a scoring streak at Bursaspor. Chelle's attack has options, and Afrik-Foot lists Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena among them.

The harder question is balance. Five games without a shutout suggest Nigeria cannot count on outscoring every opponent, so the way Chelle sets up the midfield in front of the defence may matter as much as who leads the line. If Nigeria concede first at home, the pressure on a group that needs points will rise quickly.

The workload on the staff is another factor, as we explained in our piece on Chelle's double duty with the Olympic Eagles. The senior team host Tanzania in Uyo before travelling to Dar es Salaam, and a first clean sheet would be the clearest sign that the reset is working.