Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027 qualifier on Friday 13 November, 2026 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The outcome means the Super Eagles, who lost previously in the qualification series to Guinea-Bissau, have successfully navigated themselves back to winning ways.
It also means, the hope of Nigeria making it to the Afcon 2027 has been revived with the home win, all thanks to a brace from Tolu Arokodare, Ajax striker on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nigeria went in front very early, in the 2nd minute, through Alhassan Yusuf, who fields for Major League Soccer (MLS) Club, New England Revolution, as a midfielder, with an assist from Atletico Madrid forward, Ademola Lookman.
But, the Taifa Stars fought back and found the leveller through Mabula Msanga in the 32nd minute. The goal from the midfielder forced both sides to go on break with a 1-1 scoreline.
With pressure heightened in the second half on Tanzania, Nigeria returned in front just seven (7) minutes after the break when Arokodare converted an assist from Besiktas defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi.
And, in the 60th minute, Arokodare netted his second and third for the Super Eagles to make sure any hope of a comeback for the visitors is squashed.
Arokodare netted the decisive goal after being located by Moses Usor’s assist. Usor fields as a winger for Austrian Football Bundesliga side, LASK.
The result leaves Nigeria on the second spot of Group L with six (6) points, behind toppers, Guinea-Bissau with seven (7) points, while, Tanzania are bottom (4th) with one (1) point. Madagascar are third with two (2) points.
Next for the Super Eagles?
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will travel to Tanzania for the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027 qualification tie against the Taifa Stars on Tuesday 17 November, 2026 at 14:00 (WAT).
