Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo, as Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice and earn praise from head coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles took the lead after only two minutes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday evening, when Alhassan Yusuf found the net. Tanzania responded before half-time through Alphonce Msanga, leaving Nigeria frustrated after failing to turn their early control into further chances.
Arokodare was introduced at the interval and restored Nigeria’s advantage seven minutes after the restart. He struck again eight minutes later to secure three points for the hosts.
Chelle highlighted the 25-year-old’s effectiveness in the penalty area after the match.
“His strength is in the box. When you bring the ball into the box, he’s maybe actually the best striker,” said the Franco-Malian coach.
Arokodare’s first goal followed intelligent movement and a composed finish after Wilfred Ndidi’s involvement. His second showed both power and composure as he converted a delivery from fellow substitute Moses Usor.
The manager was pleased with the result but warned that Nigeria still had work to do.
“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,” he told reporters.
Nigeria’s performance improved considerably after the break. The introduction of Arokodare and Usor gave the attack greater energy and provided a clearer focal point, allowing the Super Eagles to play with more directness and threat.
That was in contrast to an untidy first half in which Tanzania grew into the contest after Yusuf’s early goal. Defensive mistakes allowed the Taifa Stars to apply pressure and force Nigeria to work hard before the interval.
Nigeria now sit second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Their next fixture is the return match in Tanzania, which Chelle regards as the immediate priority.
“We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. The most important is the next game,” he said.
Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, meaning they will approach the fixture with less pressure.
Chelle’s comments also indicated that he expects improvement from his side, particularly in controlling matches and limiting individual errors. Arokodare’s display, meanwhile, gives him another attacking option after the striker’s strong club form finally produced a decisive contribution for the national team.
His ability to hold off defenders, retain possession and finish clinically offers Nigeria a different dimension. The coach’s assessment of his work in the box suggests the staff recognise where the Ajax forward can have the greatest impact.
The victory gives Nigeria momentum, but Chelle’s message was clear: the campaign cannot be judged on one result. The next match in Tanzania will show whether the Super Eagles can build on an imperfect performance that ultimately delivered all three points.