Photo: Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle — The Sun
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has told his players Friday's 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo counts for little unless Nigeria repeat it in Zanzibar on Tuesday — and Ademola Lookman is now a doubt for the return match after a knee knock.
Alhassan Yusuf put Nigeria ahead in the second minute, Alphonce Msanga equalised before half-time, and substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to settle the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
- Chelle criticised the cheap equaliser Nigeria conceded
- Lookman was forced off with a knee knock and is doubtful for Tuesday
- Nigeria are second in Group L on six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau
Chelle criticises the cheap goal Nigeria conceded
Chelle was frustrated by how his side handed Tanzania a way back in. "They have nothing, and you give them something to eat. So they took it," he said.
"We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. So I'm happy for the players because, you know, it's not easy. But the reality is nothing. We have the second game after. The most important is the next game."
He added: "There are a lot of good things, but there are some bad things. We are not perfect. We have a few days to correct everything."
Lookman injury update and praise for Arokodare
Lookman was forced off late in the first half and replaced by Moses Simon. "Ademola has a little problem. He took a knock on his knee when he tried to score a goal with his left foot," Chelle disclosed. His availability for Tuesday remains uncertain pending assessment.
Chelle praised match-winner Arokodare: "Tolu showed exactly why we brought him into this team. Coming off the bench and scoring twice takes quality, confidence and determination."
What happens next for the Super Eagles
Nigeria face Tanzania again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, so the group's one remaining ticket is a fight between Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar — and another win would pile pressure on the leaders.
Read also: https://newstweetnaija.com/post/super-eagles-beat-tanzania-3-1-in-uyo-as-substitute-arokodare-scores-brace">Super Eagles Beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo as Substitute Arokodare Scores Brace
Sources: The Sun; Complete Sports; Soccernet NG. Follow @newstweetnaija for more.
