The Super Eagles of Nigeria revived their push for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 3-1 victory against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the home side quickly took control of the Group L contest when midfielder Alhassan Yusuf found the net in the second minute following an assist from Ademola Lookman. Tanzania responded to the early shock and pushed back, finding an equaliser in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga to leave the scoreline level at 1-1 by half-time.
Seeking a vital response following a heavy 3-0 away defeat to Guinea-Bissau back in September, head coach Éric Chelle turned to his bench during the break. The tactician brought on Moses Usor for Yusuf, while striker Tolu Arokodare stepped onto the pitch in place of Tochukwu Nnadi.
The substitution paid off immediately for the hosts. Arokodare put the Super Eagles ahead in the 52nd minute before grabbing his second goal just eight minutes later in the 60th minute to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 lead.
To manage the tempo and preserve the advantage in the latter stages of the encounter, the Super Eagles brought on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Akor Adams. Although Tanzania introduced three substitutes to spark an offensive fightback, the Nigerian defence held firm until the final whistle to take maximum points.
The result moves Nigeria to six points after three games in Group L, leaving them in second place and just one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who sit on seven points. Tanzania have already earned a spot at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Kenya.
Nigeria will travel away to face Tanzania again on Tuesday, November 17, for the return match scheduled to take place in Zanzibar.
