Photo: The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria hosted Tanzania on Friday night — Wikimedia Commons
Nigeria's Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in the second half to settle a close-to-must-win 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria the lead in the second minute, but Alphonce Msanga equalised for Tanzania in the 32nd minute, and the teams went in level at 1-1 at half-time.
- Full time: Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania in Uyo, AFCON 2027 qualifying Group L
- Scorers: Yusuf 2 minutes; Msanga 32; Arokodare 52 and 60
- Nigeria move to 6 points, second in Group L, one point behind Guinea-Bissau
How Arokodare changed the game in Uyo
Arokodare came on at half-time and restored Nigeria's lead in the 52nd minute, finishing from close range after being set up by captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Eight minutes later he doubled his tally, converting a Moses Usor cross with a left-footed finish to make it 3-1 and give Eric Chelle's side the cushion they needed.
It was a statement night for the Ajax striker, leading the line in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen and delivering the goals Nigeria's qualification campaign demanded.
What the win means for Group L
The win moves Nigeria to six points from three matches, second in Group L and one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who were held 1-1 by Madagascar on Thursday.
Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, so the group's one remaining ticket is a straight fight between Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.
What happens next for the Super Eagles
Nigeria travel to face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, knowing another win would pile the pressure on Guinea-Bissau at the top of the group.
Read also: https://newstweetnaija.com/post/super-eagles-nigeria-host-tanzania-in-uyo-today-in-close-to-must-win-clash">Super Eagles: Nigeria Host Tanzania in Uyo Today in Close-to-Must-Win Clash
Sources: Channels Television; Sportradar final result; Viva Sport and Africa Top Sports match reports. Follow @newstweetnaija for more.