Nigeria's Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday with a commanding 3-1 win over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, according to NewsCord.
Head coach Eric Chelle had demanded that his squad do everything to win following their heavy 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their previous fixture. The Super Eagles responded immediately when Alhassan Yusuf found the net in just the second minute of the contest.
Tanzania, coached by Miguel Gamondi, managed to settle into the game and pulled level just after the half-hour mark. Alphonce Msanga connected with a pass from Novatus Miroshi to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria suffered another setback before the break when Ademola Lookman picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Moses Simon.
Chelle reshuffled his lineup at the interval, introducing Moses Usor for Yusuf and Tolu Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi. The double change transformed the match within minutes of the restart.
Arokodare gave Nigeria the lead in the 52nd minute by flicking in a low pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Just eight minutes later, the striker struck again, controlling a cross from Usor before firing a shot into the net from 12 yards out to seal the result.
The victory moves Nigeria to six points after three games in Group L, placing them just one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar. The Super Eagles had earlier beaten Madagascar 2-1 before their September loss to Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria now turn their focus to the reverse fixture against Tanzania, scheduled to take place at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
