Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania: Yusuf scores early before Arokodare steals the show with brace

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday November 13, 2026, the Super Eagles of Nigeria revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Eric Chelle’s men produced a strong second-half performance to secure all three points after surviving a difficult spell in the opening 45 minutes.

Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early lead before Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msanga to ensure both teams went into the break level.

However, substitute Tolu Arokodare stole the show after scoring twice in the second half to hand the Super Eagles a comfortable victory and provide a major boost to their qualification hopes.

Nigeria made a brilliant start to the encounter, taking the lead just two minutes after kick-off.

Yusuf finished off a well-worked attacking move created by Ademola Lookman to put the hosts ahead and give the home supporters plenty to celebrate.

The early goal appeared to put Nigeria in a good position to control proceedings, but Tanzania gradually grew into the contest and began asking questions of the Super Eagles’ defence.

The visitors eventually found their equaliser in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who capitalised on an error by Wilfred Ndidi to make it 1-1.

The goal was a setback for Chelle’s side, who had looked comfortable after taking the early advantage but were unable to maintain their lead.

Nigeria also suffered another blow shortly before half-time when Lookman was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury.

The Atletico Madrid forward had been instrumental in the opening goal but was unable to continue, forcing Chelle to introduce Moses Simon as his replacement.

Both teams went into the interval with the scores level, leaving the Super Eagles with plenty of work to do in the second half.

Nigeria returned from the break with greater attacking intent and quickly regained their advantage.

Arokodare, who had been introduced as a substitute, found the back of the net in the 53rd minute after receiving an assist from Ndidi.

Moses Usor also played an important role in the build-up to the goal as Nigeria finally broke through Tanzania’s defensive resistance.

The goal gave the Super Eagles renewed confidence, and they continued to put pressure on the visitors.

Just seven minutes later, Arokodare struck again to complete his brace and extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-1.

The Ajax striker converted another opportunity created by Usor, capping an excellent individual performance and putting the result beyond Tanzania’s reach.

Arokodare’s contribution was particularly important as he ended his goalscoring drought for the national team in impressive fashion.

His two goals also demonstrated the attacking options available to Chelle, who will be pleased with the impact made by his substitutes.

The victory represents an important response from Nigeria following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau earlier in the qualifying campaign.

However, the Super Eagles cannot afford to become complacent, with another meeting against Tanzania scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm Nigerian time.

Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, meaning Nigeria are competing with Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the group’s remaining qualification ticket.

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