Tolu Arokodare-Super Eagles (PHOTO CREDIT: @NGSuperEagles)
Nigeria made two changes which introduced Arokodare.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles bounced back from their September defeat to Guinea-Bissau with a 3–1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to help Nigeria secure all three points after the teams went into the break level at 1–1.
Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring for the hosts in the second minute, finishing a move assisted by Ademola Lookman to give Nigeria an early advantage.
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.
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.
Credit: POOJA
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.
