In a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, thanks to a second-half double from substitute Tolu Arokodare. The win keeps Nigeria's hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament alive, as they sit just one point behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Early Lead and Quick Response
Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead in just the second minute when Alhassan Yusuf calmly finished off a pass from Ademola Lookman. However, Tanzania, already assured of a place as co-hosts, equalized through Alphonce Msanga just after the half-hour mark, silencing the home crowd.
Arokodare's Impact
Coach Eric Chelle made a tactical change at halftime, bringing on Arokodare, and the move paid off almost immediately. In the 52nd minute, the Ajax loanee cleverly flicked home Wilfred Ndidi's low cross to restore Nigeria's advantage. Eight minutes later, Arokodare struck again, controlling Moses Usor's cross from the left and firing a powerful shot from 12 yards out.
Arokodare, who is on a season-long loan from Wolves, has now scored 13 goals in 17 appearances this season, and his performance will surely boost his confidence and Nigeria's qualification bid.
Group L Standings
With three games played, Nigeria are second in Group L with six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday. Only the group winner qualifies for the 2027 Afcon, making every point crucial.
Other Qualifying Action
In other matches, Tunisia's hopes of reaching a record 18th consecutive Afcon suffered a blow as they lost 2-0 at home to Libya. The Carthage Eagles, who have appeared at every Afcon since 1992, are now bottom of Group H with no wins from three games. Libya moved level on points with Uganda in second place.
South Africa's perfect start in Group D came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Johannesburg. Benni McCarthy's Kenya side showed resilience, equalizing twice, including a last-minute goal from Ryan Ogam. South Africa still lead the group by one point over Guinea.
Burkina Faso secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Mauritania with a 94th-minute goal from Elohim Kabore, joining Benin at the top of Group F. Cape Verde earned their first points in Group K with a 4-2 victory over Liberia, while Gabon defeated Lesotho 2-0 with a brace from Denis Bouanga.
Ethiopia upset Mozambique 1-0 in Maputo, thanks to Kenean Markneh's late goal, and Zambia drew 1-1 with Burundi to stay level on points with Group I leaders Algeria. Comoros and Congo-Brazzaville played out a goalless draw in Group G, where Cameroon lead with seven points.
The qualifiers continue on Saturday with three matches, followed by the fourth round of fixtures on Monday and Tuesday. Nigeria will be hoping to build on this victory as they aim to secure their place at Afcon 2027.
