Arokodare scores twice off the bench as Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo

Tolu Arokodare came off the bench at half-time and scored twice in eight minutes as Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo on Friday 13 November 2026. The win put their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track.

The result at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium moved the Super Eagles to six points in Group L, Channels Television reported. That leaves them one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar.

It was a result Nigeria needed. THISDAY reported that Éric Chelle's side had little margin for error after losing 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau in September 2026. Tanzania are already assured of a place at the finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, so Nigeria are chasing the group's one remaining qualification place.

A fast start, then a wobble

Nigeria could hardly have begun better. Alhassan Yusuf put them ahead in the second minute, finishing a pass from Ademola Lookman, according to Channels Television.

The lead did not last until the break. Alphonce Msanga equalised for Tanzania in the 32nd minute, and the sides went in level at 1-1.

There was a further setback before the interval. Sport News Africa reported that Lookman went off late in the first half and was replaced by Moses Simon.

Chelle's changes decide it

Chelle acted at half-time, sending on Arokodare and Moses Usor for Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi. Taking off the goalscorer was a bold call, and it paid off within 15 minutes.

Arokodare restored the lead in the 52nd minute, turning in a Wilfred Ndidi cross with a backheel. Eight minutes later he had his second, a low finish from a cross by Usor, the other half-time substitute.

"Coming off the bench and scoring twice takes quality, confidence and determination," Chelle said, as quoted by Sport News Africa.

The striker's own view was simpler. "As a striker, I need to score goals. That's my job for the team. Scoring goals wins games," he told ESPN.

The double matters for Arokodare's international standing as much as for the table. ESPN reported that he had scored twice in 12 Nigeria appearances before the match, so one half of football doubled his tally to four.

His club form had pointed to this. According to ESPN, he went into the game with 13 goals and four assists in 17 club appearances in the 2026-27 season. With Victor Osimhen unavailable following knee surgery, as ESPN also reported, Nigeria needed someone to carry that kind of form into the national team.

Arokodare did not sound like a player who was sulking about his place on the bench. "I think it's very important for me to use whatever opportunity I get, starting or not starting, coming off the bench, to always try to be in positions and score goals," he said.

Defence still a concern before Zanzibar

The win does not hide everything. ESPN reported that Nigeria have conceded in all three of their qualifiers so far, letting in five goals in total. Msanga's equaliser was another reminder that the Super Eagles have yet to keep a clean sheet in this campaign.

Chelle did not pretend otherwise. "We are not perfect. We have a few days to correct everything," he said, according to Sport News Africa.

There is also a doubt over Lookman, who set up the opening goal. Chelle said the forward suffered a knee knock while trying to score with his left foot, Sport News Africa reported, and his availability for the return match was uncertain on 14 November.

That return comes quickly. Tanzania host Nigeria at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday 17 November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigerian time, according to THISDAY.

With Guinea-Bissau still a point clear, the coach was clear about what is required. "We have to go to Tanzania to win the next game," Chelle said.