AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Tolu Arokodare brace inspires Nigeria to 3-1 victory over Tanzania

Tolu Arokodare scored twice after coming off the bench as Nigeria recovered from conceding an equaliser to beat Tanzania 3-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign in Uyo.

The Super Eagles secured all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, with Alhassan Yusuf also finding the net as Eric Chelle’s side returned to winning ways.

Nigeria made an encouraging start to the encounter, taking the lead just three minutes after kick-off.

Yusuf was on hand to finish and put the hosts in front, giving the home supporters an early reason to celebrate.

However, Tanzania gradually found their way into the game and took advantage of a defensive lapse to draw level before half-time.

Wilfred Ndidi lost possession in midfield in the 36th minute, allowing Msanga to capitalise on Nigeria’s defensive uncertainty and score the equaliser.

The goal brought the visitors back into the contest and left the Super Eagles with work to do.

Nigeria’s problems increased shortly before the interval when Ademola Lookman was forced to leave the pitch through injury.

The forward was replaced by Moses Simon, with the hosts subsequently going into the break level at 1-1.

Arokodare makes immediate impact after half-time

Chelle responded to Nigeria’s difficulties by making two changes at the beginning of the second half, introducing Arokodare and Chidera Usor in place of Yusuf and Raphael Onyedika.

The substitutions quickly changed the direction of the match, with Arokodare making an immediate impression after entering the field.

The striker restored Nigeria’s advantage in the 52nd minute with an excellent flicked finish, giving the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead and putting the home side back in control.

His introduction proved particularly influential as Nigeria continued to put pressure on the Tanzanian defence.

Eight minutes after scoring his first goal, Arokodare struck again to extend the hosts’ advantage.

The forward completed his brace in the 60th minute, finishing a move created by fellow substitute Nsor to make it 3-1.

The two goals gave Nigeria some breathing space after Tanzania had threatened to frustrate the home side during the first half.

Super Eagles hold on to secure important victory

With a two-goal advantage established, Chelle’s men focused on protecting their lead during the closing stages of the encounter.

Nigeria maintained their advantage as the match approached its conclusion, limiting Tanzania’s opportunities to find a way back into the contest.

Arokodare had an opportunity to make an even greater contribution by completing his hat-trick, but the striker was unable to take advantage of the chance.

Nevertheless, his second-half performance proved decisive in securing the victory for the Super Eagles.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 win for Nigeria, giving the team a positive result after their earlier struggles in the qualifying campaign.

The victory also provided a timely boost to Chelle’s side as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Arokodare’s two goals highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s second-half substitutions, while Yusuf’s early strike had initially put the hosts in a commanding position.

Despite Tanzania’s response and the injury setback involving Lookman, the Super Eagles eventually found the goals needed to claim all three points in Uyo.