Semi Ajayi: ‘Tanzania aren’t a joke’ as Eagles fly to Zanzibar

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has warned that Tanzania must be taken seriously in Zanzibar on Tuesday, as Nigeria flew out of Uyo on Sunday chasing the win that would keep their AFCON 2027 qualifying hopes in their own hands.

The Super Eagles left Uyo on a chartered flight for Zanzibar City on Sunday, two days after beating the Taifa Stars 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The return game is at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday 17 November, with kick-off at 14:00 WAT.

Nigeria are second in Group L with six points from three games, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Only the group winner qualifies, because Tanzania are already through as co-hosts.

Ajayi: ‘They're a good team'

The Hull City defender said Tanzania had caused Nigeria problems in Uyo and should not be underestimated, in comments reported by Bold Sports.

Tanzania aren't a joke. They're a good team.

He also stressed the travelling side's job of adapting quickly to the conditions on the island.

We have to make sure we play to the conditions, and acclimatise as quickly as possible.

Ajayi was candid about the 3-0 defeat in Bissau in the previous window, calling it a setback the squad must move on from.

The last camp was definitely a blip, and one we need to put behind us quickly.

He credited the tactical changes made at half-time in Uyo for turning Friday's game Nigeria's way, and said the team must build on them. Head coach Eric Chelle has set the same target: Nigeria, he said, have to go to Tanzania to win.

Analysis: Why Ajayi's warning fits the numbers

Tanzania sit bottom of Group L with one point, but they have nothing to play for in the table and that can make a side dangerous rather than easy. Ajayi's own description of Uyo, where Nigeria needed second-half changes to pull clear, suggests the Taifa Stars are capable of making Tuesday awkward.

The bigger point is arithmetic. A draw would leave Nigeria needing help from elsewhere in the group, while a win at least keeps the pressure on the leaders. That is why “acclimatise” matters as much as tactics here: an early-afternoon kick-off in Zanzibar is a different test from a Friday night in Uyo.

Ajayi's place in the side is itself part of the selection picture, as Soccernet explored in asking whether Benjamin Fredrick has done enough to keep him out. The ground also carries history for Chelle, which we covered in the Amaan Stadium's painful CHAN memory.

Whoever starts at the back on Tuesday, the Super Eagles will need the composure Ajayi is asking for if they are to head into the final round of Group L games within touching distance of the top.