Arokodare scores twice as Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 in AFCON qualifier in Uyo

Tolu Arokodare came off the bench at half-time and scored twice as the Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday. The result, reported by Arise News, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and BBC Pidgin, revived Nigeria's hopes in Group L.

Nigeria started fast. Alhassan Yusuf scored in the second minute, finishing a move in which Akor Adams won the ball on the edge of the box and Ademola Lookman provided the pass. Arise News said it was the midfielder's third goal for Nigeria and his first in a competitive international. Tanzania levelled in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Mabula Msanga scored after a slip in the Nigerian midfield, and the teams went in level at 1-1 even though Nigeria created several chances.

The second half belonged to Arokodare. The NFF reported that the Ajax Amsterdam forward scored with a back-flick in the 52nd minute from a pass by captain Wilfred Ndidi, then added a second eight minutes later after a Tanzanian defender missed a pull-back from the left by another substitute, Moses Usor. He could have completed a hat-trick later but the visiting goalkeeper read a one-on-one well, and BBC Pidgin noted another chance he fired into the goalkeeper's hands.

Head coach Erich Chelle made changes of note. Benjamin Frederick, 21, made his first competitive start for Nigeria since November last year and partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Lookman and Adams led the attack without the injured Victor Osimhen. Usor, who scored the winner against Madagascar on the opening day, again caused problems from both wings, the NFF said.

The win mattered because the campaign had stumbled. Nigeria opened with victory over Madagascar but lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau on Day 2. The NFF said the Uyo result wiped off that goal deficit. BBC Pidgin reported Nigeria second in the group with six points after three games, with Tanzania bottom.

Only one team will qualify from Group L, because Tanzania are already assured of a place as one of the tournament's co-hosts. The NFF said only a point separates the Eagles from leaders Guinea-Bissau, who were held 1-1 by Madagascar in Meknes on Thursday.

Nigeria now face Tanzania again on Tuesday in Zanzibar, and the NFF said the victory restores confidence in the camp before that return fixture.