Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the space of eight minutes in the second half as Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles, who needed a victory to get their Group L campaign back on track, made a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, finishing off an assist from Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria appeared to have taken early control of the encounter, but Tanzania fought their way back into the contest and equalised in the 32nd minute through A. M. Msanga, assisted by Novatus Miroshi.
The visitors’ equaliser ensured both teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1, increasing the pressure on the Nigerian side to find a response after the interval.
Nigeria returned with renewed determination and regained the lead in the 52nd minute when Arokodare found the net from Wilfred Ndidi’s assist.
The striker struck again eight minutes later, converting Moses Usor’s assist in the 60th minute to extend Nigeria’s advantage to 3-1 and put the result beyond Tanzania.
Arokodare’s quick-fire double proved decisive as the Super Eagles held on to claim all three points and strengthen their position in Group L.
The victory provides a timely boost for Nigeria’s qualification ambitions after the team came under pressure to deliver a positive result.
With the win, the Super Eagles will hope to build on the performance as they continue their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON in Morocco.