Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s hope of playing at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is back on after the Super Eagles beat Tanzania in Uyo in the first leg of the double header.
Ajax Amsterdam striker Tolu Arokodare continued his recent run of goals as he powered Nigeria to a comfortable win over the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening.
Arokodare scored twice after he came off the bench to help Nigeria seal a 3-1 win ahead of the second leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday.
Abdullahi Yusuf put the Super Eagles ahead in the second minute as he dashed into the box to tap in Ademola Lookman’s lau up in the box.
The Super Eagles dominated possession for most of the opening half hour but couldn’t double their lead. Benjamin Fredrick came close to scoring but missed as the visitors sat in a low block.
Alphonce Msanga restored parity for the Tanzania in the 32nd minute after Wilfred Ndidi was dispossessed of the ball in midfield.
The first half ended a goal apiece as the Super Eagles went into the dug-out needing a response in the second half to secure maximum points.
Arokodare came on for Tochukwu Nandi in the 46th minute and made an immediate impact as he put Nigeria back in front in the 52nd minute.
The Ajax striker met Wilfred Ndidi’s square pass into the box off a Moses Usor through ball. Arokodare flicked the ball with his heel to register his third goal for Nigeria.
Arokodare scored the third six matches later to put the tie beyond the reach of the visitors with a composed finish as the Super Eagles sealed a 3-1 win.
The victory put the Super Eagles” chances of reaching next year’s AFCOn back on track ahead of the must-win second-leg tie against Tanzania on Tuesday.
Madagascar currently lead Group L with seven points while the Super Eagles have six ahead of matchday 4 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
