Super Eagles 3-1 Tanzania: 5 takeaways from Nigeria’s win plus Arokodare’s heroics

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice in the second half as the Super Eagles recovered from a frustrating first half to claim all three points.

Alhassan Yusuf gave Eric Chelle’s side the lead just two minutes into the game, but Tanzania grew into the contest and equalised through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute.

Nigeria struggled to find another goal before the break, prompting Chelle to make two changes at half-time.

The substitutions paid off as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before scoring again eight minutes later to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.

Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi responded with three substitutions in the 66th minute, bringing on Shekhani Khamis, Iddy Seleman Nado and Simon Msuva, but his side could not find a way back into the game.

Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win, although they missed several chances to add to their tally. Here are five things that stood out from the Super Eagles’ performance.

Super Eagles’ takeaways vs Tanzania

1. Chelle’s three defensive midfielders experiment failed

Chelle’s decision to start with three defensive midfielders affected Nigeria’s attacking play in the first half.

The Super Eagles lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Tochukwu Nnadi, Wilfred Ndidi and Alhassan Yusuf in midfield.

Yusuf made a dream start by scoring after just two minutes, but the trio struggled to get Nigeria playing on the front foot.

The Super Eagles enjoyed spells of possession but lacked the creativity and forward movement to trouble Tanzania consistently. The midfielders offered defensive cover but did little to create chances for the attackers.

Tanzania gradually gained confidence and punished Nigeria when Msanga equalised in the 32nd minute.

Chelle responded by taking off Nnadi and Yusuf at half-time. Nigeria looked a different side after the changes, moving the ball quicker and creating more chances.

The first-half display showed the limitations of playing three defensive midfielders together, particularly when Nigeria need to break down an opponent.

2. Lookman suffers another setback after promising start

Ademola Lookman needed a good performance against Tanzania after struggling for regular playing time at Atlético Madrid.

Chelle handed him a starting place, and the forward made an immediate contribution by setting up Yusuf’s opening goal with an excellent pass.

It was an encouraging moment for the former Atalanta star, who has found opportunities hard to come by in recent months.

However, Lookman’s afternoon ended in disappointment when he picked up an injury in the first half and had to be substituted.

It was frustrating for the forward, who needed a positive outing to build his confidence and get his season back on track. His creativity remains important to the Super Eagles, especially against opponents who sit deep and defend in numbers.

Chelle will be hoping the injury is not serious, with Nigeria due to face Tanzania again in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

3. Arokodare scores his first Super Eagles brace

Tolu Arokodare was Nigeria’s match-winner against Tanzania, scoring twice after coming off the bench.

Before Friday’s game, the Ajax forward had scored twice in 12 appearances for the Super Eagles. He matched that tally in Uyo, taking his international record to four goals in 13 matches.

His first goal came in the 52nd minute, restoring Nigeria’s lead after Tanzania had held the hosts to a 1-1 draw at half-time. Eight minutes later, he struck again to give the Super Eagles a two-goal cushion.

Arokodare gave Tanzania’s defenders plenty to deal with. His physical presence, movement and finishing offered something Nigeria had missed in the first half.

The two goals also take his tally to 15 across club and international football in the 2026-27 season.

His performance will give Chelle a selection headache ahead of the return fixture. Arokodare has made a strong case for a starting place, and it will be difficult to leave him out after such a display.

At this rate, the Super Eagles star could do with playing Tanzania every week.

4. Chelle’s half-time changes transformed Nigeria’s attack

Chelle’s decision to change his formation at half-time played a major role in Nigeria’s victory.

The Super Eagles struggled to create chances in the opening 45 minutes, with the 4-3-1-2 formation leaving the attack short of movement and creativity.

The coach responded by making two substitutions and switching to a 4-4-2. Akor Adams and Arokodare led the attack, while Moses Simon and Moses Usor provided width from the flanks.

Nigeria looked more dangerous after the changes. The wide players stretched Tanzania’s defence, while the two strikers gave the opposition centre-backs more to worry about.

Arokodare scored twice, but Nigeria had several other opportunities to extend their lead.

Adams, Ndidi and Arokodare all missed clear chances, and the Super Eagles could have scored five or six goals with better finishing.

Chelle got his substitutions and tactical changes right. His side looked far more threatening after the break, and the 4-4-2 could be an option for Tuesday’s return fixture in Dar es Salaam.

5. Nigeria close the gap on Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s victory has given their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign a much-needed lift.

The Super Eagles went into Friday’s game under pressure after losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau earlier in the qualifiers. That defeat left them playing catch-up in Group L.

Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar on Thursday, giving Nigeria a chance to cut the gap at the top of the table.

Chelle’s men took advantage, moving to six points from three matches, just one behind Guinea-Bissau, who have seven.

Nigeria are now firmly back in the race for top spot, with three matches remaining. Winning all their remaining games would guarantee the Super Eagles qualification for AFCON 2027, regardless of Guinea-Bissau’s results.

Their next task is Tuesday’s return fixture against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. Another victory would put the three-time African champions in a strong position to secure their place at the tournament.