Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, as reported by Premium Times and TheCable. The result offered a timely response to Nigeria’s previous 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau and kept the team firmly in contention for a place at the tournament. Alhassan Yusuf gave the hosts an early advantage in the second minute after connecting with a pass from Ademola Lookman, but Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who capitalised on a lapse in Nigeria’s midfield to bring the visitors level before half-time.
The decisive intervention came from substitute Tolu Arokodare, who entered the match at the start of the second half and scored twice within eight minutes. The striker restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a clever backheel finish following a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi. He then completed his brace in the 60th minute, converting a delivery from fellow substitute Moses Usor to put the Super Eagles beyond Tanzania’s reach. According to the Nigeria Football Federation and ChannelsTv reports, Arokodare’s two goals transformed the contest and secured three important points for Éric Chelle’s side. The forward also came close to completing a hat-trick, but Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula denied him in a one-on-one situation.
The victory moves Nigeria to second place in Group L with six points from three matches, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar occupy third position with two points, while Tanzania have one point. Tanzania, however, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, meaning the remaining Group L qualification contest centres on Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, where another positive result could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the race for a place at the continental championship.
