Arokodare brace inspires Super Eagles to crucial victory over Tanzania

Nigeria revived their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, inspired by Tolu Arokodare’s second-half brace.

Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring just 102 seconds into the contest after combining with Ademola Lookman, but Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msanga to ensure the sides went into half-time level.

According to HF World, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle introduced Arokodare and Moses Usor at the interval, with the changes proving decisive. Arokodare restored Nigeria’s advantage less than seven minutes after the restart, converting Wilfred Ndidi’s low cross before completing his brace from a Moses Usor delivery.

The result provides a significant boost to the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign, particularly after their damaging defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain in their hands, with victories in their remaining three fixtures enough to secure a place at the tournament. Chelle’s side will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar.