Super sub Arokodare’s brace keeps Eagles’ AFCON hopes alive

Tolu Arokodare’s second-half brace helped the Super Eagles keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive after a 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. The win lifted Nigeria to second place in Group L with six points, just one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau who have seven.

Madagascar are currently third with two points, while Tanzania are at the bottom of the group with one point. Alhassan Yusuf gave Tanzania the lead in the second minute, but Nigeria equalised through Novatus Miroshi in the 32nd minute. Nigeria suffered another setback when Tochukwu Nnadi was substituted with a suspected hamstring injury, and Moses Simon came on as a replacement.

Head coach Eric Chelle made substitutions at half-time, bringing on Arokodare and Moses Usor, who restored the lead in the 52nd minute with a goal after Usor found Ndidi and he passed the ball to the striker. Arokodare completed his brace minutes later, scoring through Usor’s pass. Chelle's changes at half-time seemed to have paid off, as Nigeria went on to secure the three points.

The victory was a timely boost for Nigeria, who had earlier suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Madagascar have already qualified automatically as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar to compete for the remaining group ticket. The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17 at 2pm Nigerian time.