Arokodare fires Super Eagles to victory over Tanzania with stunning brace
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania on Friday, as striker Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to inspire the hosts at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Ajax forward, introduced at the start of the second half, proved decisive after Nigeria struggled to establish control in the opening period, which ended 1-1.
The Super Eagles took an early lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off an assist from Ademola Lookman to give the home side a promising start.
Nigeria maintained pressure in search of another goal, but Tanzania fought their way back into the contest in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga found the net, with Novatus Miroshi providing the assist.
Both sides went into the break level, prompting Nigeria coach Éric Chelle to make two changes at half-time, introducing Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and Moses Usor for Yusuf.
The substitutions quickly paid off as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, heading home a delivery from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The striker struck again eight minutes later, completing his brace in the 60th minute after receiving a pass from fellow substitute Usor to put Nigeria 3-1 ahead.
The two goals gave the Super Eagles breathing space and strengthened their grip on the encounter as Tanzania struggled to find a response.
Nigeria also enjoyed greater control of possession, recording 69 per cent against Tanzania’s 31 per cent. The hosts registered 16 shots, compared with eight by the visitors.
Chelle made further changes as the match progressed, bringing on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Akor Adams in the 78th minute, while Abdul Suleiman replaced another player late in the encounter.
The victory represents an important response for Nigeria after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture.
The Super Eagles had entered the match under pressure to collect maximum points and strengthen their position in Group L, with Guinea-Bissau leading the qualification race.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Tanzania again in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, as the two teams continue their November double-header.