Ikhana praises Nigeria’s resilience but warns AFCON qualification could be threatened by defensive lapses

Former Nigeria defender Kadiri Ikhana has praised the Super Eagles’ response in their 3-1 victory over Tanzania, while warning that their defensive record could damage their hopes of winning Group L in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria overcame Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday to move within one point of leaders Guinea-Bissau after three matches.

The Super Eagles have scored five goals and conceded five in their opening three fixtures. Guinea-Bissau, by comparison, have scored six and allowed only one goal.

Alhassan Yusuf put Nigeria ahead just two minutes into the match, but Tanzania equalised through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute. The visitors held the 1-1 scoreline until half-time before Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute and added a third goal on the hour.

Ikhana, 74, said Nigeria’s ability to recover from Tanzania’s equaliser was the most encouraging aspect of the performance.

“I’m impressed with the way the team played, especially after Tanzania’s equaliser. They knew what was at stake. They dug deep into their vault of experience and refused to be demoralised,” he told Completesports.com.

“They responded positively, held their heads and finally got the job done. That’s the most important thing, and I’m impressed.”

The former Enyimba of Aba coach, who led the club to the 2003 CAF Champions League title and was named 2003 African Coach of the Year, nevertheless believes Eric Sekou Chelle’s side must improve its defensive organisation.

“Five goals in three games, for me, is not a bad return for the strikers. But conceding five goals in the same three games is not a good return for the defenders. You know, goal difference counts in all of this,” Ikhana said.

“Guinea-Bissau have scored six goals in the same three games. They conceded only once, which was in their 1-1 draw away to Madagascar on Thursday. We should be defending better to avoid conceding goals all the time.”

Nigeria’s win was their eighth against Tanzania in 12 meetings. The other four matches have ended in draws, giving the Super Eagles an unbeaten record to take into Tuesday’s return fixture in Zanzibar City.

Tanzania have already qualified for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the three co-host nations, alongside Kenya and Uganda. The tournament will be the first Africa Cup of Nations staged across three countries.