Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice as the Super Eagles of Nigeria bounced back in style with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on Friday.
The 25-year-old striker proved decisive in the second half, rescuing Nigeria after Tanzania threatened to derail their campaign with a first-half equaliser at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria made a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the third minute, giving Eric Chelle’s men an early advantage.
However, the Tanzanians refused to surrender, drawing level through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute to expose Nigeria’s defensive lapses and send both teams into the break with the scores tied at 1-1.
With the Super Eagles struggling to regain control, Chelle introduced Arokodare at the restart, a decision that completely changed the complexion of the encounter.
The striker wasted little time making his presence felt, restoring Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace eight minutes later to give the hosts a commanding 3-1 advantage.
Moses Usor also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s attacking resurgence, helping to create the third goal as the Super Eagles stepped up their intensity in the second half.
The victory provides a timely boost for Nigeria, who were under pressure to respond after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Arokodare’s impressive introduction underlined the importance of Chelle’s tactical adjustments, with Nigeria showing greater attacking purpose and improved finishing after the interval.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed concern over Ademola Lookman’s fitness after the forward was forced off towards the end of the first half.
Lookman, who plays for Atletico Madrid, was substituted in the 45th minute after sustaining a knock to his knee.
Speaking after the encounter, Chelle confirmed that the winger complained of discomfort following the incident but said the full extent of the injury was yet to be established.
“His knee started to feel bad. He took a knock on his knee. This is why he had to go out of the pitch,” the coach explained.
Lookman’s injury will be a major concern for the Super Eagles as they continue their preparations for their next AFCON 2027 qualifying assignment.
For Nigeria, however, Friday’s victory offers renewed hope, with Arokodare emerging as the match-winner in a performance that could prove crucial to the team’s qualification ambitions.
