Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
The Ajax striker continued his impressive form with a second-half brace, helping Nigeria defeat the Taifa Stars and move within one point of Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles made a flying start to the encounter, taking the lead just two minutes into the game. Akor Adams won possession before finding Ademola Lookman, who played a well-timed pass into the path of Alhassan Yusuf. The New England Revolution midfielder made no mistake with a composed finish to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead.
Despite conceding early, Tanzania gradually grew into the game and prevented Nigeria from creating clear-cut opportunities to extend their advantage. The Super Eagles enjoyed more possession but struggled to break through the visitors’ organised defensive setup.
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In the 29th minute, Nathaniel Chilambo made a powerful run towards the edge of the box, using his strength to drive forward before unleashing a shot that went wide.
Three minutes later, the visitors drew level after Novatus Miroshi dispossessed captain Wilfred Ndidi. Cyprian Kachwele subsequently saw his effort blocked after taking control of the ball, but Miroshi recovered possession and unselfishly set up Alphonce Msanga, who calmly found the net to make it 1-1.
Nigeria came close to restoring their lead in the 38th minute when Alex Iwobi picked out Lookman in a promising position inside the box. However, the forward’s effort was blocked by defender Ibrahim Hamad and deflected behind for a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, Ndidi connected with a free header, but his effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Aishi Manula as the visitors maintained parity.
The Super Eagles suffered another setback shortly before the break when Lookman went down with an injury and was eventually replaced by Moses Simon. Benjamin Fredrick also missed a golden opportunity to put Nigeria back in front, sending his effort over the crossbar in first-half stoppage time.
In search of a response, head coach Eric Chelle made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Alhassan Yusuf.
The substitutions immediately brought renewed energy to Nigeria’s attack as the Super Eagles increased the tempo, pressing the Tanzanians and pushing forward in search of a second goal. A few minutes into the half, Akor Adams came close to restoring Nigeria’s advantage but saw his effort narrowly miss the target.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 52nd minute as Nigeria regained the lead. Usor initiated the move with an excellent pass to Ndidi, who cut the ball back into the path of Arokodare. The in-form striker produced a brilliant finish, flicking the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
The Super Eagles almost extended their advantage in the 58th minute when Ndidi and Arokodare combined once again. The striker then laid the ball off for Adams, whose volley was blocked and turned behind for a corner.
Just seconds later, the impact of Chelle’s substitutions was evident once again as Nigeria made it 3-1. Usor provided another excellent assist, playing a perfectly weighted pass into Arokodare’s path. The striker took a sublime touch before firing through the goalkeeper’s legs to complete his brace.
Adams missed a good opportunity to put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute after Simon played him through on goal, but his tame effort was blocked.
At the other end, Msanga nearly restored hope for Tanzania in the 72nd minute, but his attempt was also blocked and diverted behind for a corner.
Chelle made another change in the 77th minute, bringing on Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Adams. Tanzania threatened again three minutes later when a dangerous cross found Anthony Richard Mligo inside the box, but the fullback’s header went wide.
The visitors came close to capitalising on a defensive error a few minutes later, but substitute Shekhani Khamis’ effort went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Moments afterwards, Fredrick was stretchered off with an injury, handing Chelle another potential injury concern.
Arokodare nearly completed his hat-trick after receiving a brilliant pass from Abdullahi Bewene, but Manula denied the striker in a one-on-one situation. Usor also continued to impress in the closing stages, dribbling his way into the box before seeing his effort saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Semi Ajayi was introduced in the 92nd minute as Nigeria’s final substitution, replacing Ola Aina. Tanzania pushed for a late consolation goal, but the Super Eagles’ defence stood firm to see out an important 3-1 victory.
The result leaves Nigeria second in Group L with six points, just one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar occupy third place with two points, while Tanzania remain bottom of the group with one point.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar on November 17, where they will be looking to secure another victory as they continue their pursuit of Group L’s sole qualification ticket to the 2027 AFCON.
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