Arokodare scores twice as Super Eagles bounce back with 3-1 victory over Tanzania

Tolu Arokodare-Super Eagles

Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday, defeating Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

A second-half brace from substitute Tolu Arokodare helped Éric Chelle’s men secure all three points after Alhassan Yusuf had opened the scoring in the first half.

Yusuf put Nigeria ahead with an effort assisted by Ademola Lookman, who was forced off through injury in the closing minutes of the first half and replaced by Moses Simon.

Despite creating few chances, the Taifa Stars equalised in the 32nd minute with their first shot on target. Alphonce Msanga scored for the visitors.

The Super Eagles went into the break tied with the Taifa Stars but made changes at the restart as Chelle introduced Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and brought in Moses Nsor for Yusuf Alhassan.

The substitutions proved decisive as Arokodare made an immediate impact, scoring twice to give Nigeria a comfortable lead and underline his growing importance to the national team.

The striker’s performance continued an impressive run of form across club and international football.

Arokodare has now scored eight goals in his last six appearances for club and country, finding the net against Atalanta, Sparta Rotterdam, AZ Alkmaar, FC Midtjylland and Twente before his brace against Tanzania.

His recent scoring exploits have strengthened his case for a more prominent role in Chelle’s attacking plans, particularly with Nigeria seeking greater efficiency in front of goal.

Nigeria’s attacking changes also added a new threat, with the substitute combination contributing to the team’s improved second-half display. Moses Simon, who replaced Lookman before the break, was also involved in the attacking reshuffle.

The result gives Nigeria a valuable boost in Group L after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, who still lead with seven points, while the Super Eagles have six after three games.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, scheduled for Tuesday, when both teams meet again at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

For Chelle, the victory offers encouragement, although Lookman’s injury will be a concern ahead of the next assignment.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini