Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after scoring twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, describing the feeling of finding the net for the national team as a special experience.
The Ajax striker came off the bench at half-time during Friday’s encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the second half to help the Super Eagles claim all three points.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with sports journalist Pooja, Arokodare admitted that scoring for Nigeria was an emotional moment, particularly after going some time without finding the net for the team.
“I was extremely excited, extremely happy. Scoring for your national team is a different feeling. And I’m happy I got to enjoy that feeling again, it’s been a while. I didn’t just score once, I scored twice so I had two moments to celebrate and enjoy,” he said.
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The 25-year-old also expressed satisfaction with the result, highlighting the importance of the victory in improving Nigeria’s position in Group L and boosting the team’s confidence ahead of their next fixture.
“I’m happy we won the game. I’m happy Nigerians are happy. I’m happy we’re in a better position now to fight for the qualification. I’m also happy because it gives us a huge confidence boost going into the next game,” Arokodare added.
The striker, however, acknowledged the challenges of playing away from home, admitting that Nigeria have struggled to produce their best results on the road. He remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can turn things around when they travel to face Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
“Playing away from home is not easy. It’s never easy. That’s why there is home and away so you can have that home advantage. We haven’t had the best of results playing away from home, but we hope it’s gonna be different this time,” he said.
Arokodare further stressed that Nigeria will be targeting another victory in Zanzibar, while hoping Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau drop points to give the Super Eagles an opportunity to move to the top of the standings.
“We’re gonna try to get the three points again and hope that Guinea-Bissau drops points so we can climb and be on top of the table,” he added.
The brace against Tanzania further extended Arokodare’s impressive run of form, with the striker now scoring in six consecutive appearances for club and country, recording eight goals during that period.
Across all competitions for Ajax, the forward has registered 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances this season, underlining his growing importance and excellent form ahead of Nigeria’s crucial return fixture.
The Super Eagles currently sit second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already qualified for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, only the group winners will secure the group’s sole qualification ticket.
Nigeria will be hoping Arokodare can carry his goalscoring form into Tuesday’s encounter as they continue their pursuit of a place at the continental tournament.
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