Arokodare brace helps Nigeria overcome Tanzania in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo, as Tolu Arokodare scored twice after half-time to settle a fiercely contested match.

The Super Eagles took the lead at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in the second minute when Alhassan Yusuf found the net. Tanzania responded before the interval through Alphonce Msanga, leaving Nigeria frustrated after failing to turn their early control into further chances.

Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Arokodare and Moses Usor at the break, and the changes transformed Nigeria’s attacking threat. Arokodare restored the hosts’ lead in the 52nd minute before adding a third goal eight minutes later.

Chelle praised the Ajax forward’s effectiveness in the penalty area after the match.

“His strength is in the box. When you bring the ball into the box, he’s maybe actually the best striker,” said the Franco-Malian coach.

Arokodare’s first goal followed intelligent movement and a clinical finish after Wilfred Ndidi’s involvement. His second came after a delivery from Usor, with the striker combining composure with the power needed to complete his brace.

The result leaves Nigeria second in Group L on six points, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Their next match is away to Tanzania, a fixture Chelle believes will demand a stronger performance.

“We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. The most important is the next game,” he said.

Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, meaning they can approach the return fixture with less pressure and greater freedom.

Chelle was pleased with aspects of Nigeria’s performance but warned that the team still has work to do.

“There are a lot of good things, but there are some bad things. We are not perfect. We have a few days to correct everything,” he told reporters.

Nigeria’s first-half display was disjointed despite Yusuf’s early goal. Tanzania became more competitive as the match progressed and exposed defensive lapses, forcing the home side to work hard before the interval.

The introduction of Arokodare and Usor gave Nigeria greater energy and a clearer focal point in attack. After the restart, the Super Eagles played with more urgency and directness, eventually converting their pressure into the goals that secured victory.

Arokodare’s performance also gives Chelle a selection decision to consider. The 25-year-old, who has been in strong club form, offered Nigeria the ability to occupy defenders, hold up the ball and finish decisively.

The win provides Nigeria with momentum, but Chelle’s comments underlined that three points have not resolved every concern. The Super Eagles will need to improve their control and reduce individual errors when they travel to Tanzania, with Arokodare’s penalty-area threat likely to be central to their plans.