Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half as Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 3-1 to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Ajax forward came off the bench to score in the 52nd and 60th minutes, helping Nigeria secure all three points in Friday’s Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished a move assisted by Ademola Lookman in the second minute.
However, Tanzania restored parity in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who converted an assist from Novatus Miroshi.
The teams went into the break level at 1-1, prompting Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to introduce Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf at the restart.
The changes proved decisive as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes into the second half, converting a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The striker doubled his tally eight minutes later, finishing a move created by fellow substitute Usor to give the hosts a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
Tanzania made several substitutions in an attempt to fight back, including a triple change in the 66th minute, but Nigeria maintained their lead until the final whistle.
The victory takes Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points. Madagascar occupy third position with two points, while Tanzania have one point.
Super Eagles begin AFCON qualifying preparations with 23 players in camp
Tanzania 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 had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.
The Super Eagles played Friday’s encounter without injured striker Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar as Chelle’s men seek another victory to strengthen their qualification hopes.
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