The Ajax striker turned the game after the break as Nigeria bounced back from the defeat in Bissau, though an injury to Ademola Lookman clouds the return leg.
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Tolu Arokodare scored twice off the bench and Alhassan Yusuf also scored as the Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 in a Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. The win lifts Nigeria to six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, finishing a move that started when Akor Adams won the ball and passed to Ademola Lookman. Tanzania equalised against the run of play in the 32nd minute, when Alphonce Msanga dribbled past Calvin Bassey and finished after Wilfred Ndidi lost possession.
Lookman went off injured just before half time and was replaced by Moses Simon. Éric Chelle made two more changes at the break, bringing on Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf. Readers following the group can see the Bet9ja welcome promo basics.
The changes worked quickly. Arokodare flicked home Ndidi’s cross from the right in the 52nd minute, then fired under the goalkeeper in the 60th minute after a Usor cross went through. He could have had a hat trick in the 86th minute, but the goalkeeper saved his low shot.
Chelle later praised Arokodare as a world class finisher inside the box, and the striker was named Player of the Match. He shone in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
Guinea-Bissau drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday, so they lead Group L on seven points. Nigeria are second on six, Madagascar are third on two and Tanzania are fourth on one, and only one team will qualify because Tanzania are co-hosts of the finals. Fans can pick a Zanzibar scoreline on Super9ja before the return leg.
Nigeria started with Stanley Nwabali in goal, Abdullahi Bewene, Benjamin Fredrick, Bassey and Ola Aina in defence, and Yusuf, Ndidi as captain, Nnadi and Alex Iwobi in midfield. Lookman and Adams led the attack. Nnadi made his home debut.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaced Adams in the 78th minute, and Semi Ajayi came on for Aina in the 90th. Tanzania’s substitutes included Simon Msuva and Iddy Nado, the winger called up after Clement Mzize and Dickson Job withdrew.
The return leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, with kick-off at 2:00pm WAT. New Bet9ja users can look up Bet9ja’s YOHAIG intro code before then.
Lookman’s fitness is the main worry after a win that eased the pressure on Chelle. Can the Eagles finish the job in Zanzibar?
📌 Did You Know?
- Arokodare scored for Ajax in five straight games before the international break.
- Both of Nigeria’s group wins so far came in Uyo, 2-1 over Madagascar and 3-1 over Tanzania.
- Nigeria have now beaten Tanzania in their last two meetings, after a 2-1 win in the AFCON group stage in December 2025.
- Miguel Gamondi coaches Tanzania.
- Guinea-Bissau also play on November 17, at home to Madagascar in the other Group L return fixture.
