AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Arokodare brace fires Super Eagles to 3-1 win over Tanzania

The Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half, while Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring to secure all three points for Nigeria.

The three-time African champions made a bright start when Yusuf fired home from close range after Ademola Lookman picked him out in the box following a swift attacking move.

However, Tanzania drew level in the 32nd minute after Alphonce Mabula Msanga capitalised on a mistake in the Nigerian midfield to beat the Super Eagles’ defence.

Nigeria responded with greater urgency after the break, and Arokodare, introduced at half-time, restored the hosts’ lead in the 52nd minute with a clever back-flick from a pass by captain Wilfred Ndidi.

The striker doubled his tally eight minutes later, calmly slotting past the Tanzanian goalkeeper after a defensive error allowed him to connect with a low cross from fellow substitute Moses Usor.

Usor, who scored Nigeria’s winner against Madagascar on the opening day of the qualifying campaign, caused the visitors problems with his pace and movement, troubling the Tanzanian defence from both wings.

Arokodare had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick later in the match, but the visiting goalkeeper denied him in a one-on-one situation.

The victory offers Nigeria a measure of recovery after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifier and restores confidence ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar.

Nigeria now have six points from three matches and sit second in Group L, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar in Meknes on Thursday, leaving the Super Eagles within reach of the top position.