Super Eagles Beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo as Arokodare Scores Brace

The Super Eagles of Nigeria returned to winning ways in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on Friday, defeating Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria made a bright start to the Group L encounter, taking the lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf, who found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Tanzania, however, responded strongly and drew level in the 32nd minute after capitalising on a midfield error by Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi. Msanga took advantage of the defensive lapse to make it 1-1.

Nigeria suffered another setback before the break when Ademola Lookman was forced off with an injury and replaced by Moses Simon.

Both sides went into the half-time interval level, but Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made changes at the start of the second half, introducing Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor for Alhassan Yusuf and Raphael Onyedika.

The substitutions proved effective as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a fine flicked finish.

The striker doubled his tally eight minutes later, completing a brace in the 60th minute to extend the Super Eagles’ advantage to 3-1.

Nigeria maintained its two-goal lead in the closing stages, with Arokodare coming close to completing a hat-trick before the final whistle.

The victory gives the Super Eagles a much-needed boost in their quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, after a mixed start to their Group L campaign.

Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, as they seek to secure another victory and strengthen their qualification hopes.