Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday with a 3-1 win over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwanwa Ibom State. 

Substitute, Tolu Arokodare scored twice after the break, and the result lifts the team after a heavy defeat in the previous round.

The hosts started brightly. Alhassan Yusuf put Nigeria ahead in the opening minutes, finishing a quick break after Ademola Lookman found him in the box. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars drew level in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who punished a lapse in Nigeria’s midfield with what was reportedly the visitors’ first shot on target.

Nigeria suffered another setback before the interval when Lookman was forced off with an injury and replaced by Moses Simon.

Coach, Eric Chelle sent on Arokodare and Moses Nsor (also spelled Usor in some reports) at the restart, and the changes transformed the game. The Ajax striker restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a smooth back-flick from Wilfred Ndidi’s pass. Eight minutes later he completed his brace, slotting past the Tanzanian goalkeeper after a pull-back from the left by Nsor.

Arokodare almost had a hat-trick later on, but the goalkeeper stopped him in a one-on-one.

The 26-year-old has now scored eight goals in his last six appearances for club and country, a run that has strengthened his case for a bigger role in Chelle’s attack. Nsor also made an impact off the bench, troubling the Tanzanian defence from both flanks. He had scored Nigeria’s winner against Madagascar on the opening day of the qualifiers.

The win gives Nigeria six points from three games in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau on seven. It also erases the three-goal deficit from their 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau on matchday two. Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of the tournament, which leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the group’s remaining ticket.

The Super Eagles now travel to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar for the return fixture against Tanzania on Tuesday, with Lookman’s injury a worry for the coaching staff.