Super Eagles 3-1 Tanzania: Arokodare’s brace inspires Nigeria to victory in Uyo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their third group qualifying match on Friday evening.

The encounter which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, saw the three-time African champions return to winning ways, keeping their qualification hopes alive and closing the gap at the top of Group L.

Alhassan Yusuf’s early goal set the tone for a positive afternoon for Nigeria, with the midfielder finding the back of the net in just the second minute. However, Tanzania hit back shortly after the half-hour mark through Alphonce Msanga to restore parity.

🇳🇬🦅 Nigeria Super Eagles secure all three points in Uyo against Tanzania, with Tolu Arokodare coming off the bench to score twice and seal the win. #AFCON2027Q pic.twitter.com/Osc8b90jyo

— Soar Africa! (@SoarAfrica) November 13, 2026

Tolu Arokodare, who came off the bench in the second half, proved to be the difference-maker as he scored a sensational brace to seal victory for Nigeria and ensure Eric Chelle’s side collected all three points.

Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania: How it happened

Nigeria began their Group L campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in September, but their progress was halted by a shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau just a few days later.

Eric Chelle was without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out through injury, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Fernandez and Maduka Okoye were among the notable absentees from the squad.

The Franco-Malian coach made several changes to his starting lineup for the encounter, handing Abdullahi Bewene a place at full-back alongside Ola Aina, while Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in the heart of the defence.

It took just two minutes for the Super Eagles to take the lead as the returning Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring with a fine finish.

The New England Revolution midfielder got on the end of a pass from Ademola Lookman after Nigeria won possession high up the pitch, finishing the move to give the hosts an early advantage.

However, Tanzania responded in the 33rd minute following a well-worked attacking move that ended with Msanga finding the back of the net.

Wilfried Ndidi lost possession in midfield, allowing the visitors to move forward and work the ball into a dangerous position. Bassey and Fredrick were unable to prevent the attack, and Msanga eventually guided the ball past Stanley Nwabali to bring Tanzania level.

Nigeria also suffered a setback in first-half stoppage time when Lookman was forced off with an injury. The Atletico Madrid forward was replaced by Moses Simon as both sides headed into the break with the score at 1-1.

Arokodare turns on the style in Uyo

With Nigeria needing more goals, Chelle made an attacking double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare for goalscorer Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi.

The changes quickly paid off as the in-form Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead just six minutes after coming on.

A long ball forward was brought under control by Ndidi before he cut the ball back into the striker’s path. Arokodare met it with a superb backheel flick, sending it into the net to put the Super Eagles back in front.

The Ajax forward continued to cause problems for the Tanzanian defence and doubled his tally in the 60th minute to make it 3-1.

This time, Moses Usor provided the assist with a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Arokodare showed excellent control to bring the ball down before finishing with his left foot to complete his brace and put Nigeria firmly in control of the contest.

His two goals proved decisive as the Super Eagles held on to secure an important victory in front of their home supporters in Uyo.

What next for the Super Eagles?

The 3-1 victory over Tanzania represents Nigeria’s second win in Group L and takes them to six points from their opening three matches.

The Super Eagles remain second in the group behind Guinea-Bissau, who moved to seven points after playing out a 1-1 draw with Madagascar on Thursday.

Chelle’s men will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania on November 17 as both sides prepare for the second leg of their doubleheader.

Nigeria will be hoping to make it two wins from two against the East African side and maintain their push for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.