Nigeria vs Tanzania produced an important result for the Super Eagles as Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice in a 3-1 victory over the tournament co-hosts in Uyo. The win gives Nigeria a valuable boost in their bid to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, keeping their qualification hopes firmly alive after a difficult start to the campaign.

Eric Chelle’s side entered the encounter knowing that there was little room for further mistakes following their 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in September. With Tanzania already assured of a place at the finals as co-hosts, Nigeria needed all three points to strengthen their position in Group L.

Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring early, but Alphonce Msanga restored parity for the visitors before half-time. Arokodare then made the difference after the break, producing two clinical finishes to secure the victory for the Super Eagles.

Alhassan Yusuf Gives Nigeria an Early Advantage

Nigeria made a fast start at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, taking the lead just two minutes into the match. Ademola Lookman provided the assist, finding Alhassan Yusuf in a promising position before the midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the net.

The early goal gave the Super Eagles the perfect opportunity to settle into the contest and build on their attacking momentum. However, Tanzania gradually found their way into the game and began to create problems for the Nigerian defense.

Their persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark when Alphonce Msanga scored the equalizer. The goal changed the atmosphere of the contest, leaving Nigeria with work to do after surrendering their early advantage.

Despite the setback, Chelle’s side continued to search for a way through the Tanzanian defence. The teams went into the break level, with Nigeria needing a stronger second-half performance to secure the result.

Arokodare Changes the Game After Half-Time

Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare at the beginning of the second half, and the decision quickly proved decisive.

The Ajax striker, who is spending the season on loan from Wolves, needed just seven minutes to restore Nigeria’s lead. In the 52nd minute, Wilfred Ndidi delivered a low ball into the danger area, and Arokodare cleverly flicked it beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

The goal gave Nigeria renewed confidence and shifted the pressure back onto Tanzania. Arokodare was not finished, however, and he doubled his tally just eight minutes later.

This time, Moses Usor supplied the cross from the left, allowing the striker to control the ball before smashing his finish into the net from 12 yards. His second goal gave the Super Eagles a two-goal cushion and provided the breathing space they needed to manage the remainder of the match.

Arokodare’s contribution was particularly impressive given his introduction from the bench. The forward has now scored 13 goals in 17 appearances this season following his loan move to Ajax, and his latest performance further underlined his importance to Nigeria’s attacking options.

Nigeria vs Tanzania: Super Eagles Keep Afcon Qualification Hopes Alive

The victory moves Nigeria to within one point of Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar on Thursday. With three games played in the group, the Super Eagles remain in contention for the qualification place available to them.

Tanzania, meanwhile, were playing without the pressure of qualification after already securing their place at the tournament as co-hosts. For Nigeria, the situation is considerably different, with every result carrying significant importance.

The Super Eagles’ earlier defeat in Guinea-Bissau had left them with little margin for error, making the home victory an important response. Chelle will now hope his players can build on the performance as the qualifying campaign continues.

Tunisia Suffer Shock Defeat as Kenya Frustrate South Africa

Elsewhere in the Afcon qualifiers, Tunisia suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat against Libya, leaving them bottom of Group H without a win. The Carthage Eagles have appeared at a record 17 consecutive tournaments but now face the possibility of missing out on the 2027 finals for the first time since 1992.

Ali Youssef opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly before half-time after Ali Maaloul was penalised for pulling Muad Eisay’s shirt. Hamdou El Houni then doubled Libya’s advantage in the second half. The result moved Libya level on points with Uganda in second place.

South Africa also dropped points after being held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Johannesburg. Amos Wanjala’s own goal gave Bafana Bafana an early lead before Michael Olunga equalized from the penalty spot. Relebohile Mofokeng restored South Africa’s advantage with 13 minutes remaining, but Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to secure a point for Benni McCarthy’s side.

Other notable results included Ethiopia’s 1-0 victory over Mozambique, Gabon’s 2-0 win against Lesotho and Cape Verde’s 4-2 triumph over Liberia. Burkina Faso also defeated Mauritania 1-0 through Elohim Kabore’s stoppage-time winner.

For Nigeria, however, the focus remains on the task ahead. The Nigeria vs Tanzania victory has brought the Super Eagles closer to the top of Group L, but the qualification battle is far from over. Arokodare’s two goals have provided a timely boost, and Nigeria must now maintain that momentum if they are to secure their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.