Nigeria strengthened their position in the race for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tanzania 3-1 in their Group L qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A second-half double from Tolu Arokodare proved decisive as the Super Eagles recovered from a first-half setback to secure all three points on Friday, November 13.
The victory takes Nigeria’s tally to six points in Group L, providing a significant boost to their qualification campaign ahead of the return meeting between the two sides.
The hosts made an impressive start, needing just two minutes to break the deadlock through Alhassan Yusuf.
The midfielder found the net after receiving a pass from Ademola Lookman, giving Nigeria an early advantage and putting the visitors under immediate pressure.
However, Tanzania responded positively and gradually worked their way back into the contest.
Their efforts paid off in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Mabula Msanga restored parity for the Taifa Stars.
Msanga converted an opportunity created by Novatus Miroshi to bring Tanzania level at 1-1, silencing the home supporters and giving the visitors renewed confidence.
Despite Nigeria’s early breakthrough, Tanzania managed to maintain their resistance for the remainder of the opening period.
Both teams went into the interval with the scores level, leaving the Super Eagles needing an improved performance after the break if they were to claim victory.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare at half-time, and the forward made an immediate difference to the team’s attacking play.
The striker restored Nigeria’s advantage seven minutes after the restart, scoring in the 52nd minute with an impressive back-heel finish.
Arokodare connected with a cross delivered by Wilfred Ndidi, turning the midfielder’s delivery into a goal and putting the Super Eagles ahead for the second time in the match.
The goal shifted the momentum back in Nigeria’s favour, with the home side now firmly in control of the contest.
The forward was not finished, however, as he struck again eight minutes later to extend Nigeria’s lead.
Arokodare completed his brace in the 60th minute after being set up by fellow substitute Moses Usor, giving the Super Eagles a two-goal cushion.
His contribution proved crucial in separating the two sides after Tanzania had threatened to frustrate the hosts during the first half.
Nigeria subsequently managed to protect their advantage and see out the remainder of the match, securing a 3-1 victory in front of their home supporters.
The result gives the Super Eagles three valuable points and takes their Group L total to six as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 tournament.
For Tanzania, the defeat comes despite an encouraging first-half display in which they recovered from an early setback to level the score.
The Taifa Stars had already secured their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the competition’s co-hosts.
Tanzania will stage the tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, meaning their participation in the finals is already guaranteed.
Nevertheless, the encounter provided both teams with an opportunity to test themselves as preparations for the continental competition continue.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, which is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to build on their Uyo success and collect another positive result when the two sides meet again.
Arokodare’s impressive second-half performance will also provide Nigeria with encouragement ahead of the next encounter, following his decisive contribution to Friday’s victory.
