Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 as Arokodare scores twice

Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in a Group L Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday, recovering from an equaliser with two second-half goals from substitute Tolu Arokodare. The win gives Nigeria six points from three matches, according to the reported group standings, and leaves the team second behind Guinea-Bissau.

Alhassan Yusuf put Nigeria ahead in the second minute, finishing a move created by Ademola Lookman. Tanzania levelled in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga scored from Novatus Miroshi’s assist. The teams went into half-time tied at 1-1.

Nigeria coach Éric Chelle introduced Arokodare and Moses Usor at the start of the second half, replacing Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi. Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, converting a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi. Eight minutes later, he scored again after Usor set him up, completing the 3-1 result.

The victory followed Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in its previous qualifying match. Guinea-Bissau drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday, a result that kept the group leader on seven points from three matches. Madagascar have two points, while Tanzania have one, according to the reported table.