Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned to winning ways in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after defeating Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare delivered a match-winning performance with two second-half goals as Eric Chelle’s men recovered from their September setback against Guinea-Bissau to claim all three points.
Nigeria made an explosive start, taking the lead just two minutes into the encounter through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off a move created by Ademola Lookman.
However, Tanzania gradually settled into the game and drew level in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga converted a pass from N. Miroshi to make it 1-1.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead before the interval, but neither could find the breakthrough again as the first half ended with the scores level.
Chelle made two changes at the restart, bringing on Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and Moses Usor for goalscorer Yusuf.
The substitutions immediately shifted the momentum, with Arokodare restoring Nigeria’s advantage in the 52nd minute after receiving a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The forward was on target again eight minutes later, finishing a move initiated by fellow substitute Usor to extend the Super Eagles' lead to 3-1.
Tanzania tried to fight back, making several changes, including a triple substitution in the 66th minute, but Nigeria remained organised and protected their two-goal advantage.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaced Akor Adams in the 78th minute, while Semi Ajayi came on for Ola Aina during stoppage time as the hosts saw out the victory.
The result takes Nigeria to six points in Group L, just one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points.
Madagascar sit third with two points, while Tanzania occupy fourth position with one point. The Taifa Stars, however, are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The Super Eagles started the encounter without injured striker Victor Osimhen and unavailable goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Abdullahi Bewene also earned a starting opportunity. Ndidi captained the team, with Nnadi making his home debut for the senior national side.
Nigeria dominated possession with 65 per cent and registered seven shots on target from 13 attempts. Tanzania managed two shots on target from eight efforts.
The three-time African champions had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in September.
Chelle's side will now travel to Zanzibar for the return fixture against Tanzania on Tuesday, November 17, where they will look to build on Friday's victory and strengthen their position in Group L.