Nigeria V Tanzania: Osimhen’s absence opens door for Arokodare

Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack against Tanzania in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.

The Super Eagles will be without their regular striker, Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery he underwent last week.

Sources within the team’s camp say Arokodare is likely to start ahead of Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The 25-year-old striker is expected to play alongside Akor Adams in a two-man attacking partnership as Nigeria seek victory against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

Arokodare has been in impressive form at Ajax, where he is spending the season on loan from English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He has scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch club this season.

His impressive performance has strengthened his chances of starting against Tanzania in the absence of Osimhen.