Super Eagles: 2 players who could earn starting spots after Tanzania win

The Super Eagles recorded a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania on Friday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, with some players strengthening their claims for regular starting roles in the team.

Head coach Eric Chelle made a number of changes to the lineup that started Nigeria’s previous AFCON qualifying game against Guinea-Bissau, which ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat.

Nigeria were already without injured striker Victor Osimhen for the encounter, but the likes of Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams all featured in the starting XI.

It took just two minutes for the Super Eagles to take the lead, with Alhassan Yusuf finishing off an assist from Lookman after Adams won possession in Tanzania’s half.

However, Tanzania found an equaliser in the 33rd minute through Alphonce Msanga, ensuring both teams went into the break level at 1-1.

Nigeria responded strongly after the restart, dominating proceedings and eventually scoring twice through substitute Tolu Arokodare, whose superb brace secured a 3-1 victory and kept the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualification hopes alive.

With three games remaining in Group L, Chelle will have some important decisions to make ahead of Nigeria’s next outing. Two players in particular have given the coach plenty to consider after their impressive contributions against Tanzania.

Two Super Eagles players who could earn starting spots after Tanzania win

1. Tolu Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare is one player who has made a strong case for a starting role after his impressive performance against Tanzania.

The Ajax forward has enjoyed a productive season since joining the Dutch club in the summer, putting his underwhelming spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers last season behind him.

The 25-year-old has already scored 13 goals for Ajax this season and added another two to his tally with a brilliant performance against Tanzania.

Introduced at half-time, Arokodare needed just eight minutes to make his presence felt. He showed excellent striker’s instincts to find the net with a clever backheel finish before doubling Nigeria’s advantage in the 60th minute.

For his second goal, the former Genk forward showed composure and good control inside the box before firing past the Tanzanian goalkeeper to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.

With Osimhen currently sidelined through injury and Adams struggling to influence the game once again, Arokodare has given Chelle a strong reason to consider him for a starting position.

Even when Osimhen returns, the Ajax forward’s performance against Tanzania could make the competition for the striker’s role more interesting, especially if he maintains his current form.

2. Moses Usor

Moses Usor is another player who has strengthened his case for a starting spot following his impressive contribution against Tanzania.

The LASK forward made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar, scoring just minutes after coming off the bench. His goal also made him the fastest Nigerian substitute to score on his competitive debut for the national team.

Despite that impressive introduction, Usor started the Tanzania encounter on the bench before coming on at half-time.

However, the winger made the most of his opportunity, providing enough width and creativity in the Nigerian attack.

He played an important role in both of Arokodare’s goals, first releasing a through ball to Wilfred Ndidi, who subsequently delivered the cross that allowed the Ajax forward to score Nigeria’s second goal.

Usor then produced an excellent cross into the box for Arokodare to finish well, effectively sealing the victory for the Super Eagles.

His ability to take on defenders and deliver quality crosses gave Nigeria another attacking dimension in the second half.

Having already impressed against Madagascar and followed it up with another influential cameo against Tanzania, Usor has done enough to put himself in contention for a starting role in the next game.

Both Arokodare and Usor have strengthened their claims with their performances, and Chelle may have to reconsider his selection options as Nigeria look to collect maximum points from their remaining qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are now second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, with three matches left to play.

Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the second leg of their double-header on November 17 in Zanzibar, where Chelle’s men will be hoping to secure another victory and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.