AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Arokodare fires Super Eagles to 3-1 victory over Tanzania

Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned to winning ways on Friday with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The victory helped Nigeria recover from their September defeat to Guinea-Bissau and secure all three points in front of their home supporters.

Substitute Tolu Arokodare was the star of the second half, scoring twice to seal the win after both teams went into the break with the score level at 1-1.

Alhassan Yusuf gave the Super Eagles an early lead in the second minute, finishing off a move created by Ademola Lookman to put the hosts ahead.

However, Tanzania fought back to draw level before half-time, leaving Nigeria with work to do after the restart.

Arokodare’s introduction proved decisive as the forward found the net twice in the second half to hand Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 victory.

However, Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who converted an assist from N. Miroshi to restore parity.

Both sides created opportunities before the break, but neither could find another goal, with the referee adding five minutes at the end of the first half.

Nigeria made two changes at the interval, introducing Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and Moses Usor for goalscorer Yusuf.

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The substitutions proved decisive as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, converting a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.

The forward struck again in the 60th minute, this time finishing a move created by fellow substitute Usor to put the Super Eagles 3–1 ahead.

Tanzania made several changes in an attempt to reduce the deficit, including a triple substitution in the 66th minute, but Nigeria maintained their advantage.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaced Akor Adams in the 78th minute, while Semi Ajayi came on for Ola Aina in stoppage time as the hosts managed the closing stages.

The victory takes Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points.

Madagascar occupy third place with two points, while Tanzania are fourth with one point.

Tanzania, however, have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, but are continuing to participate in the qualifying campaign.

Nigeria, managed by Eric Chelle, started the match without injured striker Victor Osimhen and unavailable goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Abdullahi Bewene also earned a starting role. Ndidi captained the side, with Nnadi making his home debut for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria recorded 65 per cent possession and seven shots on target from 13 attempts, compared with Tanzania’s two shots on target from eight attempts.

The Super Eagles had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

They will face Tanzania again in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar.

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