AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria Thrash Tanzania 3–1 as Arokodare Bags Brace

Nigeria’s Super Eagles boosted their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The Super Eagles produced an encouraging performance in front of their home supporters, with forward Tolu Arokodare scoring twice to help Nigeria secure all three points in the Group L encounter.

Nigeria got off to a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, giving the hosts an early advantage.

However, Tanzania fought back and restored parity in the 32nd minute through Msanga, ensuring both sides went into the halftime break level.

Nigeria returned for the second half with renewed determination, and Arokodare restored their lead in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead once again.

The forward was not finished, as he struck again in the 60th minute to complete his brace and extend Nigeria’s advantage to 3–1.

The Super Eagles subsequently maintained their lead to secure an important victory and strengthen their position in the race for qualification.

The result represents a significant response from Eric Chelle’s men following their disappointing 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture.

Nigeria are competing in Group L alongside Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and Tanzania. Tanzania, however, have already secured qualification for the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.

The victory gives Nigeria renewed confidence ahead of their return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar, as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of a place at the continental competition.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.