Super Eagles: Alhassan Yusuf breaks two records vs Tanzania

The Super Eagles’ 3-1 win over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier gave Nigeria three important points on Friday night.

Alhassan Yusuf’s early strike also set two records for the Super Eagles, one of which had stood for almost 46 years.

The New England Revolution midfielder gave Nigeria the lead at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, finding the net just 1 minute and 43 seconds into the game.

His goal was the fastest Nigeria have scored in the current AFCON qualifying campaign and their earliest against Tanzania since the two countries first met.

Here are the two records Yusuf set against the Taifa Stars.

Abdullahi of Nigeria celebrates scoring the opening goal in the first few minutes during the Unity Cup Final 2026 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at The Valley, London, England on 30 May 2026. — Alhassan Yusuf of Super Eagles celebrates. Copyright: ImagoxPhilxHutchinsonx

Fastest Nigerian goal of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign

Yusuf’s second-minute strike is the fastest goal Nigeria have scored in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The midfielder finished off a well-worked move after just 1 minute and 43 seconds, with Ademola Lookman providing the assist.

Akor Adams started the move by winning possession before finding Lookman, who laid the ball into the path of the onrushing Yusuf. The midfielder made no mistake with his finish from close range to put Nigeria ahead.

The goal beat Nigeria’s previous mark in the qualifiers, set by George Ilenikhena against Madagascar. The young striker scored in first-half stoppage time in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory.

Yusuf played only 45 minutes for the Super Eagles against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars but he finished as one of Nigeria’s top five rated stars.

Super Eagles and coach Eric Chelle. Photo by IMAGO

Super Eagles’ fastest-ever goal against Tanzania

Yusuf also set a new record for the earliest goal Nigeria have scored against Tanzania.

His strike, which came after just 1 minute and 43 seconds, beat a record that had stood for almost 46 years.

Before Friday’s match, John Chiedozie’s fifth-minute goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in December 1980 was Nigeria’s earliest against the Taifa Stars.

Mohammed Lawal had also scored in the 11th minute when Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 at the 1980 AFCON earlier that year.

Yusuf has now taken both records, with his early strike giving Nigeria a place in the history of their meetings with Tanzania.