NIGERIA’S AFCON CHASE BACK ON TRACK AFTER 3-1 WIN OVER TANZANIA

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned to winning ways with a 3–1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

The victory saw Nigeria bounce back from their September defeat to Guinea-Bissau, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in the second half to secure all three points.

Alhassan Yusuf gave the hosts an early lead in the second minute, finishing a move created by Ademola Lookman.

Tanzania, however, restored parity in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who converted an assist from N. Miroshi.

Both teams created opportunities before the interval but failed to find another goal, leaving the score at 1–1 at half-time.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle made two changes at the break, introducing Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and Moses Usor for Yusuf.

The changes paid off as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, converting a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.

The forward completed his brace eight minutes later, finishing a move created by fellow substitute Usor to extend the Super Eagles’ advantage to 3–1.

Tanzania made several changes in an attempt to get back into the game, including a triple substitution in the 66th minute, but Nigeria held firm.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaced Akor Adams in the 78th minute, while Semi Ajayi came on for Ola Aina in stoppage time as the hosts saw out the victory.

The result takes Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points.

Madagascar sit third with two points, while Tanzania occupy fourth place with one point.

Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda but are continuing to participate in the qualifying campaign.

Chelle started the match without injured striker Victor Osimhen and unavailable goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Abdullahi Bewene also earned a starting role. Ndidi captained the side, with Nnadi making his home debut for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria recorded 65 per cent possession and seven shots on target from 13 attempts, compared with Tanzania’s two shots on target from eight attempts.

The Super Eagles had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar.