Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half as the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 3-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The 25-year-old striker came on at half-time and inspired Nigeria to victory after an early goal from Alhassan Yusuf was cancelled out by Tanzania before the break.
Nigeria needed all three points to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the tournament. The Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a victory over Madagascar but suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, disrupting their early momentum.
With Tanzania already assured of a place at the competition as one of the co-hosts, only one team will secure qualification from Group L.
Head coach Erich Chelle handed Benjamin Frederick his first competitive start for Nigeria since November last year.
The 21-year-old defender partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams led the attack in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria made an immediate impact, taking the lead in the second minute through Yusuf.
The midfielder finished off a move initiated by Adams, who won possession on the edge of the box before Lookman provided the assist.
The goal was Yusuf’s third for Nigeria and his first in a competitive international fixture.
However, the Super Eagles lost their early momentum, allowing Tanzania to draw level in the 32nd minute.
A well-worked team move ended with Alphonce Mabula Msanga finding the back of the net to restore parity for the Taifa Stars.
Nigeria responded with renewed attacking pressure and created several opportunities before half-time, but Tanzania held on to take the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The Super Eagles returned with greater urgency and regained the lead seven minutes into the second half.
Arokodare produced a clever flick from Wilfred Ndidi’s pass in the 52nd minute to put Nigeria ahead 2-1, ending his eight-match goal drought for the national team.
The striker struck again in the 60th minute to extend Nigeria’s advantage.
A Tanzanian defender failed to connect with a cross, allowing Arokodare to gather the loose ball and slot it beneath the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
The brace marked Arokodare’s first two goals for Nigeria and extended his scoring streak for club and country to six consecutive matches.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker also recorded his first goals for the Super Eagles this year.
Despite missed opportunities from Adams, Nigeria maintained its advantage to secure an important victory.
The result takes the Super Eagles to six points from three matches in Group L, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on 17 November.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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