Nigeria vs Tanzania | Highlights | AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
The Super Eagles had to wait until the second half to overcome a Tanzania side that managed to level the score. A substitution from the bench ultimately changed the game in Uyo.
Nigeria secured a 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo during Matchday 3 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Although the hosts took an early lead, the match became complicated when the visitors found an equalizer and tested the Super Eagles' response.
Tolu Arokodare comes off the bench and scores twice to seal Tanzania's fate
Tolu Arokodare ultimately stole the spotlight. The striker came on at half-time and needed just seven minutes to restore Nigeria's lead. In the 52nd minute, he took advantage of a combination between Moses Usor and Wilfred Ndidi to make it 2-1.
That was not the end of the story. In the 60th minute, Arokodare found himself inside the box once again and scored his second goal after receiving a cross from Usor on the left flank. In just eight minutes, the forward went from being a bench option to becoming the central figure in a victory that had threatened to slip away from the hosts.
Alhassan Yusuf puts Nigeria ahead, but Tanzania respond
Before Arokodare's standout performance, Alhassan Yusuf had given the Super Eagles the lead just three minutes into the match. The goal came after a fine combination between Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman, which ended with the midfielder finishing inside the box.
However, Tanzania refused to back down and found an equalizer in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga. The 1-1 scoreline exposed Nigeria's difficulties in making the most of their early control and maintaining their lead. The hosts needed to adjust their approach to regain control after the break.
Nigeria collect three points and prepare for another meeting with Tanzania
With this result, Nigeria moved to six points in Group L and earned an important victory in their campaign for AFCON 2027 qualification. Arokodare's performance also raises questions about his potential role in upcoming matches, particularly after the impact he made as a substitute.
Both teams will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, when they play the return fixture in Zanzibar. The Super Eagles will look to repeat the result, while Tanzania will have an opportunity to respond after a defeat in which they managed to make life difficult for their opponents.
