Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Group L for AFCON 2027 alongside Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. For Nigerian fans planning the trip to Dar es Salaam — this is everything you need to know. From flights out of Lagos to visas, accommodation near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Super Eagles’ history in Tanzania and why this qualifying campaign is trickier than it looks on paper.
Super Eagles Qualifying Fixtures — Group L
Nigeria’s Group L qualifying campaign has been confirmed by CAF. The Super Eagles will open their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON at home against Madagascar on September 23 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. They will then fly out to Guinea-Bissau four days later before completing the first half of the qualifiers with a home game against AFCON co-hosts Tanzania on November 11.
| Matchday | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD1 | 23 Sep 2026 | Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Madagascar 🇲🇬 | Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo |
| MD2 | 27 Sep 2026 | Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Bissau |
| MD3 | 11 Nov 2026 | Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Tanzania 🇹🇿 | Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo |
| MD4 | Nov 2026 | Tanzania 🇹🇿 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
| MD5 | Mar 2027 | Madagascar 🇲🇬 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Madagascar |
| MD6 | Mar 2027 | Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 | Nigeria |
The Tanzania away leg — Super Eagles playing at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam — is the match Nigerian fans in Tanzania will be most focused on. This is the fixture that matters to both sets of supporters.
Why Group L Is Trickier Than It Looks
Although a look at the group suggests it might be a straightforward campaign given the Super Eagles’ superior quality and pedigree, the reality on the ground might not be so simple. Because Tanzania’s spot is already secure, the margin for error for the remaining three teams is extremely slim. Every team will treat their matches against Nigeria as a cup final, knowing that taking points off the giants is the only way to squeeze through.
NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen warned that the Super Eagles must not relax. “I remember Guinea-Bissau gave us a run for our money. They are not a bad side at all.” He also noted that Madagascar remain capable of a major upset — the island nation produced one of the biggest shocks in AFCON history when they defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the 2019 tournament in Egypt.
Nigeria vs Tanzania — The History
The two nations have met competitively on multiple occasions:
| Year | Competition | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | AFCON Qualifying | Tanzania 0–0 Nigeria | Goalless draw in Dar es Salaam |
| 2017 | AFCON Qualifying | Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania | Iheanacho long-range strike in Uyo |
| 2025 | AFCON Group Stage | Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania | Morocco, December 2025 |
Tanzania’s strongest asset is home advantage in Dar es Salaam, where crowd support and environmental conditions often make them difficult to break down. They are also becoming more tactically structured, with improved defensive organisation and transition play.
A sold-out Benjamin Mkapa Stadium with 60,000 Tanzanian fans is a different proposition from a neutral venue in Morocco. Nigerian fans who travel to Dar es Salaam for the qualifier will be in the minority — but that atmosphere is exactly what makes this match worth attending in person.
AFCON 2027 Tournament — Nigeria’s Group Stage Matches
In the AFCON 2027 tournament itself, Tanzania are in Group L alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. All Tanzania home matches are played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jun 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Algeria 🇩🇿 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
| 24 Jun 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
| 28 Jun 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Madagascar 🇲🇬 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
Tanzania vs Nigeria on 24 June 2027 is the match. 60,000 home fans. Three-time AFCON champions against the tournament’s most passionate host nation. This is the most anticipated group stage fixture in the entire tournament. Nigerian fans planning to attend need to act immediately when tickets go on sale — this match will sell out in Phase 1 of the Visa presale window.
Getting from Nigeria to Tanzania
By Air — Lagos (LOS) to Dar es Salaam (DAR)
No fully direct non-stop service operates between Lagos and Dar es Salaam as of 2026. All routes require at least one connection.
| Route | Airline | Connection | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS → NBO → DAR | Kenya Airways | Nairobi | ~8h 35min total |
| LOS → ADD → DAR | Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | ~11h 30min |
| LOS → EBB → DAR | Uganda Airlines | Entebbe | ~10h |
Best option for Nigerian fans: Kenya Airways via Nairobi — the most reliable daily service with the best price-to-convenience ratio. Book at least 6 months before the tournament. Tournament-period fares will be significantly higher than current rates. See our complete flights guide.
Nigeria Visa Requirements for Tanzania
Nigerian passport holders require a Tanzania eVisa. Here is exactly what you need:
- Visa type: Tanzania eVisa — Ordinary Single Entry
- Cost: $50 USD (150,000 TZS / 6,450 KES)
- Apply at: visa.immigration.go.tz
- Processing time: up to 10 working days — apply at least 2 months before travel
- Yellow fever certificate: MANDATORY — Nigeria is a yellow fever endemic country. Tanzania immigration will check it on arrival. Do not board your flight without your Yellow Card.
See our complete Tanzania eVisa guide for the full step-by-step application process.
Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is in Temeke District — approximately 15km from the Msasani and Masaki hotel areas where most international visitors stay. You will need Bolt or Uber on match days — allow 30 to 50 minutes.
| Area | Best for | Cost/night |
|---|---|---|
| Msasani | Fan zones, restaurants, nightlife — closest to Slipway fan zone | $67–400 USD |
| Masaki | Quieter, upscale, international hotels | $65–300 USD |
| Oyster Bay | Premium and peaceful — embassy district | $130–500 USD |
Book as early as possible. Accommodation in Dar es Salaam during AFCON 2027 will be significantly more expensive and limited than normal rates. See our complete accommodation guide.
Tickets — How Nigerian Fans Can Get Them
Tanzania vs Nigeria on 24 June 2027 is the most in-demand ticket in the tournament. Here is how to maximise your chances:
- Register at tickets.cafonline.com now — mandatory before any purchase
- Get a Visa card — gives you exclusive 48-hour presale access before the general public
- Buy in Phase 1 Visa presale — Tanzania vs Nigeria will sell out here
- Official sales expected August–October 2026
See our complete ticket buying guide and our ticket prices guide for costs in NGN equivalent.
Practical Tips for Nigerian Fans in Tanzania
- Currency: Use Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for daily spending — ATMs at Julius Nyerere Airport dispense TZS. USD is also accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. See our money guide.
- SIM card: Buy a Vodacom or Yas SIM at the airport on arrival — 10GB for approximately 13,000–21,000 TZS. Nigerian MTN and Airtel SIMs work on roaming but cost significantly more. See our SIM card guide.
- Transport: Download Bolt before you arrive and set up payment.
- Safety: Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists in the Msasani, Masaki and Oyster Bay areas. Temeke — where the stadium is — requires caution. Use Bolt directly to and from the stadium gate. See our safety guide.
- Weather: Dar es Salaam in June and July is hot and humid — temperatures around 28–32°C. Bring water to matches and apply sunscreen for afternoon kick-offs.
- Language: Swahili is the local language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few Swahili phrases go a long way — see our Swahili phrases guide.
What Nigerian Fans Can Expect in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania will welcome Nigerian fans warmly — this is a country hosting its first major international football tournament and the hospitality will reflect that. The rivalry on the pitch does not extend off it. Nigerian fans who have attended previous AFCONs in North Africa will find Dar es Salaam a different experience — coastal, warm, more relaxed, with the Indian Ocean rather than the Mediterranean as the backdrop.
The Nigerian fan base is one of the largest and most vocal travelling supports in African football. At Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 24 June 2027, wherever Nigerian fans are seated, they will be heard. That atmosphere — 60,000 Tanzanian fans versus one of Africa’s most passionate away supports — is going to be one of the defining images of AFCON 2027.
For the full AFCON 2027 Tanzania fan guide visit our practical info page. For the complete fixture list visit our fixtures page. For the complete Group L breakdown including Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar visit our Group L guide.
Qualifying fixture dates sourced from allAfrica.com and CAF official announcements, May 2026. Head-to-head records sourced from multiple verified Nigerian football publications. All travel costs and logistics information current as of July 2026.