Nigeria Super Eagles delivered an outstanding performance to beat Tanzania 3-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Tolu Arokodare was the star of the match after scoring twice in the second half, while Alhassan Yusuf also found the net for the Super Eagles. Alphonce Msanga scored Tanzania’s only goal in the encounter.
The victory gave Eric Chelle’s men an important three points in their attempt to strengthen their position in Group L of the AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria made a perfect start to the encounter when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring just two minutes into the game.
The midfielder finished after receiving a pass from Ademola Lookman to give the Super Eagles an early advantage in front of their home supporters.
However, Tanzania responded well and refused to allow Nigeria to control the game completely as play carried on between them.
Their response produced an equaliser in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga found the back of the net. Novatus Miroshi provided the assist as the visitors brought the score to 1-1.
Both teams continued to compete for control, but neither side managed to score again before the half-time break.
Nigeria therefore went into the dressing room level with Tanzania despite their early advantage and dominance all through the 45 minutes.
The host made an attacking change shortly before half-time, with Moses Simon replacing Ademola Lookman in the 45th minute of added time.
At the start of the second half, Moses Usor replaced Alhassan Yusuf, while Tolu Arokodare came on for Tochukwu Nnadi. The changes proved important as Arokodare went on to score twice.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half with greater attacking intent, and their changes helped turn the game in their favour.
Tolu Arokodare put the Super Eagles ahead in the 52nd minute, with Wilfred Ndidi providing the assist which made sure it became 2-1.
The goal gave the host renewed confidence as they looked to extend their advantage and avoid allowing the away side back into the contest.
Arokodare then completed his brace in the 60th minute to make it 3-1. This time, Moses Usor supplied the assist, helping them establish a two-goal cushion.
The two goals from Arokodare proved decisive as Tanzania struggled to find a response against the Nigerian side with more time left to play.
The Eagles later introduced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Akor Adams in the 78th minute. The away side made another change in the 85th minute, bringing on A.S. Sopu for A.R. Mligo.
However, nothing changed the scoreline which end with Nigeria claiming a 3-1 victory against Tanzania after the 90 minutes of action and additional time.
The 3-1 victory gives the Super Eagles an important result as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON which they hope play next year.
The Nigeria national team will now turn their attention to the return meeting against Tanzania, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, in Zanzibar.
Eric Chelle will be pleased with his team’s response after conceding an equaliser, particularly the impact of Tolu Arokodare, whose second-half performance helped secure all three points.
Nigeria will hope to carry this winning form into the next encounter as they continue their push for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which still remains in danger.
