2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Arokodare’s Brace Powers Super Eagles To 3-1 Victory Over Tanzania
Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 3-1 in their third 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.
Naijaonpoint Nigeria reports that Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring for Nigeria in the second minute at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Tanzania equalised through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute, as both teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, made tactical changes at the start of the second half to strengthen his side.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare made an immediate impact, scoring in the 52nd and 59th minutes to hand Nigeria a 3-1 victory.
Speaking at the post-match news conference, Chelle praised his players for their performance and determination.
He said the team largely followed his instructions but briefly lost concentration in the first half, allowing Tanzania to equalise.
“I spoke to the players, so the game plan was like that. We were supposed to start in a 4-4-2 diamond formation and, in the second half, switch to a flat 4-4-2.
“I asked them to apply high pressure during the first half, and they did, so we scored the first goal.
“The problem was that, for about 30 seconds in the first half, we lost concentration and conceded a goal,” Chelle said.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the players’ response after Tanzania equalised, describing the victory as an important achievement.
“I’m happy for the players because, you know, it’s not easy when you take the lead and then concede a goal,” he said.
Chelle expressed confidence ahead of the return fixture, saying another victory away from home would strengthen Nigeria’s position.