Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in eight minutes as Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo on Friday to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium took Nigeria to six points from three matches in Group L, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria, under head coach Éric Chelle, went into the encounter seeking a response to their 3-0 away defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.
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The hosts made an impressive start, taking the lead inside two minutes through Alhassan Yusuf, who put the Super Eagles ahead in front of their home supporters.
However, Tanzania recovered from the early setback and drew level in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga.
Nigeria pushed to regain the lead before the break but could not find another goal, with the teams going into half-time at 1-1.
Chelle’s second-half changes proved decisive as Arokodare came off the bench to turn the contest in Nigeria’s favour.
The forward restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace eight minutes later to give the hosts a 3-1 advantage.
Nigeria then managed the game through the closing stages, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru coming on for Akor Adams as the Super Eagles protected their lead.
Tanzania made three substitutions in an attempt to mount a comeback, but Nigeria held on to secure all three points.
The result leaves Nigeria second in Group L with six points, behind Guinea-Bissau on seven. Tanzania, who are among the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, have already secured automatic qualification.
Nigeria and Tanzania will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, in the reverse fixture in Zanzibar, with the Super Eagles seeking another victory to strengthen their position in the group.
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