Arokodare brace fires Eagles past Tanzania
Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice as Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.
The Super Eagles moved to second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar occupy third place with two points, while Tanzania remain bottom with one.
*Tolu Arokodare with teammate celebrating a goal.
Etim Ekpimah
Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice as Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.
The Super Eagles moved to second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar occupy third place with two points, while Tanzania remain bottom with one.
Nigeria made a flying start, taking the lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off a move initiated by Akor Adams, with Ademola Lookman providing the assist.
However, Tanzania fought back and equalised in the 32nd minute. Novatus Miroshi dispossessed Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi before setting up Alphonce Msanga, who beat the Nigerian defence to restore parity.
The hosts suffered another setback shortly before half-time when Lookman sustained a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by Moses Simon.
Head coach Eric Chelle made two changes at the interval, bringing on Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf in a tactical move that changed the contest.
The substitutions paid off seven minutes into the second half when Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute. The striker finished a well-worked move after Usor found Ndidi, whose cut-back provided the opportunity.
Arokodare struck again minutes later, converting Usor’s pass and firing the ball through goalkeeper Aishi Manula’s legs to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
The Super Eagles continued to press for more goals, with Adams and Usor coming close to extending the lead. Arokodare also had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick but was denied by Manula.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a late save to prevent substitute Shekhani Khamis from reducing the deficit, while defender Benjamin Fredrick was stretchered off with an injury, adding to Chelle’s concerns.
The victory provides a much-needed boost for Nigeria following their earlier 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to battle for the group’s remaining qualification spot.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 pm Nigerian time.
