Nigeria’s Super Eagles boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive 3-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
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Key Highlights
- Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo in their AFCON 2027 Group L qualifier.
- Alhassan Yusuf scored in the second minute before Alphonce Msanga equalised.
- Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the 52nd and 60th minutes.
- Nigeria now have six points, one behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.
- The return fixture is in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
The victory takes Nigeria to six points from three matches, leaving them just one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau in the race for the remaining qualification spot.
The Super Eagles went into the encounter seeking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture.
How the match unfolded
Nigeria made a bright start, taking the lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf, who put the hosts ahead with an early goal.
However, Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute as Alphonce Msanga found the equaliser to ensure both teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1.
The introduction of substitute Tolu Arokodare proved decisive in the second half, with the forward scoring twice in the 52nd and 60th minutes to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
Arokodare’s brace secured all three points for Eric Chelle’s men and provided the Super Eagles with a crucial response after their previous setback.
Group L standings
Despite the victory, Nigeria still have work to do in their quest to reach the continental tournament.
Guinea-Bissau currently lead Group L with seven points, while Nigeria occupy second position with six points. Madagascar have two points, while Tanzania sit at the bottom with one point.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, the remaining qualification ticket in the group is being contested by Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.
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The Super Eagles will have another opportunity to strengthen their qualification campaign when they face Tanzania in the return fixture at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
A victory in the encounter would take Nigeria to nine points and further improve their chances, although Guinea-Bissau’s results will also influence the group standings.
Nigeria are targeting their 22nd appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, making every remaining fixture crucial as the qualification campaign enters a decisive stage.
For Chelle and his players, the priority will be to maintain the momentum from the Uyo victory and secure another positive result in Zanzibar.
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