Nigeria revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to inspire the Super Eagles to an important victory, moving Nigeria to six points from three matches, just one point behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria made a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, finishing a move created by Ademola Lookman to give the hosts an early advantage.
However, Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who converted an assist from Novatus Miroshi to restore parity.
Both teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1, leaving head coach Éric Chelle with decisions to make as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough.
Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor at the beginning of the second half, replacing Tochukwu Nnadi and Alhassan Yusuf.
Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute after connecting with a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi before completing his brace eight minutes later.
The forward made it 3-1 in the 60th minute, finishing a move created by fellow substitute Moses Usor to give Nigeria breathing space.
Tanzania attempted to fight their way back into the contest, but the Super Eagles maintained their advantage to secure all three points.
The victory provides an important response to Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in September and keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.
Following Madagascar’s 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, the Super Eagles have reduced the gap at the top of Group L to just one point.
Guinea-Bissau lead with seven points, Nigeria occupy second place with six, Madagascar have three points, while Tanzania remain on one point from three matches.
However, Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania on November 17 in Zanzibar, where they will look to build on Friday’s victory and strengthen their position in the qualification race.
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