Nigeria recovered from Tanzania’s first-half equaliser to claim a 3-1 win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in eight minutes to help the Super Eagles secure an important result in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early lead in the second minute, but Alphonce Msanga brought Tanzania level before half-time. Arokodare then came off the bench to score in the 52nd and 60th minutes, with Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Usor providing the assists.
Here are the players ratings from the match as Nigeria boost their AFCON 2027 qualifying hopes.
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Stanley Nwabali – 7
Made important saves when Tanzania pressed, including a solid stop from Shekhani Khamis late on. Commanded his area well after the equaliser.
Ola Aina – 6.5
Busy on the left. Won free kicks and helped keep the back line organised before making way late.
Calvin Bassey – 7
Solid and composed at the heart of defence. Won key duels and stayed calm after Tanzania levelled.
Benjamin Fredrick – 6.5
Put in a strong shift until an injury delay late in the game. Helped deal with Tanzania’s long balls and set-pieces.
Abdullahi Bewene – 7
Energetic at right-back. Delivered useful crosses, including the one that led to Arokodare’s first chance, and stayed involved throughout.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7.5
Anchored the midfield and provided the assist for Arokodare’s first goal. Broke up play and kept Nigeria moving forward.
Alex Iwobi – 7
Linked play well and created openings. Combined neatly with Lookman in the first half and stayed involved after the break.
Alhassan Yusuf – 8
Opened the scoring inside two minutes with a clean finish from Lookman’s through ball. Booked later but remained a threat until replaced.
Ademola Lookman – 7
Provided the assist for the opener and looked sharp before going off injured just before half-time. His early influence set the tone.
Akor Adams – 6.5
Worked hard up front and had several attempts blocked or missed. Linked play but was replaced as Nigeria pushed for more goals.
Tochukwu Nnadi – 6
Started on the left of midfield and helped Nigeria control the early stages before making way at the break.
Substitutes
Tolu Arokodare – 9
Came on at half-time and changed the game. Scored twice in eight minutes — first a close-range finish from Ndidi’s assist, then another after Usor’s cross. Before this match he had two goals in 12 Super Eagles appearances. Against Tanzania he scored two in eight minutes.
Moses Usor – 7.5
Replaced Yusuf at the break and immediately added energy. Delivered the cross for Arokodare’s second goal and forced a save late on.
Moses Simon – 7
Came on for the injured Lookman and provided the assist for Arokodare’s first big chance after the restart. Kept the left side lively.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.5
Entered late and helped Nigeria see out the game. Won free kicks and kept possession under pressure.
Semi Ajayi – 6
Came on in stoppage time for Aina and helped close out the win.
