Nigeria’s Super Eagles have given their fans something to smile about after securing an important 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The encounter, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, saw substitute Tolu Arokodare emerge as the hero with two impressive second-half goals.
Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead just two minutes into the game through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off a well-worked attacking move involving Ademola Lookman.
However, Tanzania refused to be intimidated by the home crowd. The visitors fought their way back into the contest and equalised in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga after Nigeria lost possession in midfield.
With the teams heading into the break level at 1-1, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made important changes, introducing Arokodare and Moses Usor to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The substitutions immediately paid off.
Arokodare restored Nigeria’s advantage in the 52nd minute with a clever finish following a move involving captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Just eight minutes later, the striker struck again, converting a pass from fellow substitute Moses Usor to make it 3-1 and put the game beyond Tanzania.
The victory was particularly important for Nigeria following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifier.
Nigeria now occupy second position in Group L with six points, just one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, at 2pm Nigerian time.
With qualification still hanging in the balance, Nigerians will be hoping the team can maintain this winning momentum.
