Nigeria Hand Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman Starts as Tanzania Turn to Aishi Manula

Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman both named in the starting XI. Tanzania, who finished behind South Africa in their qualifying group to reach the tournament, counter with Aishi Manula in goal and Abdullahi Bewene in the side.

The teamsheet confirms the shape of the night: Nigeria in a 4-4-2, Tanzania in a 4-3-3. That is the first tactical question answered before a ball is kicked. Nigeria's midfield four will have to manage Tanzania's front three without being overrun in the channels, while Tanzania's back four must decide how high to hold its line against two centre-forwards.

Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman start together. That is the selection that shapes Nigeria's attacking plan. Adams gives Nigeria a focal point in the box; Lookman gives them a runner who can drift inside from a wide starting position or play off the shoulder. In a 4-4-2, the two must combine without leaving the midfield four exposed. Alex Iwobi's role in that midfield is the hinge: if he pushes high to link with the front two, Tanzania's three-man midfield has a spare man in the middle. If he sits, Nigeria's front two can be isolated.

Tanzania's 4-3-3 is built to press and counter. Aishi Manula starts in goal behind a back four that will face two centre-forwards rather than one. That changes the defensive maths: the two centre-backs cannot both step into midfield, and the full-backs must be careful about when to advance. Abdullahi Bewene's position in the front three will matter for how Tanzania attacks Nigeria's left or right side.

Nigeria's 4-4-2 against Tanzania's 4-3-3 is a classic matchup of width against central overload. Nigeria can match Tanzania's front three with four defenders, but only if the wide midfielders track back. If they do not, Tanzania's full-backs can push high and pin Nigeria's back four. The alternative is that Nigeria's front two pin Tanzania's centre-backs, forcing Tanzania's midfield three to drop deeper and reducing the space for their own front three.

The first 20 minutes will show which side imposes its shape. Nigeria will want to get the ball to Adams and Lookman early, before Tanzania's midfield three can settle. Tanzania will want to make the first pass forward, to test whether Nigeria's midfield four can cover the width of the pitch.

This is the opening fixture of Group L qualifying. Nigeria, who finished top of their qualifying group for the last tournament, start at home. Tanzania, who finished behind South Africa, start away. The table after 90 minutes will not decide the group, but it will set the tone for both sides.

Nigeria's selection of Adams and Lookman together is the clearest signal of intent: two forwards, two wide midfielders, and a midfield that must balance risk and cover. Tanzania's 4-3-3 with Manula in goal and Bewene in the front three is a counter-attacking setup that will look to spring forward when Nigeria's full-backs advance.

Kick-off is at 16:00 UTC. The first question is whether Nigeria's front two can pin Tanzania's back four. The second is whether Tanzania's front three can isolate Nigeria's midfield four. The answers start now.