Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved into second place in Group L of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after a 3-1 victory against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This victory serves as a relief for the Super Eagles, following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their previous match. Nigeria began the game strongly, taking an early lead just two minutes after kickoff with a goal from Alhassan Yusuf, who capitalized on a pass from Ademola Lookman.
Despite controlling the game in the first half, Nigeria’s efforts to extend their lead were halted when Tanzania equalized in the 32nd minute. Alphonce Msanga found the net for Tanzania, leveling the score at 1-1, and both teams went into halftime with the match tied.
In the second half, Nigeria displayed renewed vigor. Coach Éric Chelle made strategic substitutions, bringing on Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare. These changes proved effective as Arokodare scored the Super Eagles’ second goal in the 52nd minute, using a backheel finish from a cross provided by captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Arokodare extended the lead further just eight minutes later with a low shot into the net following a setup from Usor, bringing the score to 3-1. Despite tactical changes from Tanzania’s coach Miguel Gamondi, intended to regain control of the match, the East African team was unable to respond effectively.
As it stands, Nigeria has accumulated 6 points in the qualifiers, one point shy of group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have 7 points.
