Nigeria vs Tanzania: Six talking points as Arokodare shines in AFCON Qualifying victory

The Super Eagles got their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Uyo, delivering an impressive second-half performance to secure all three points.

Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring shortly after the restart, but Nigeria’s advantage was short-lived as Alphonce Msanga capitalised on an error by Wilfred Ndidi to draw Tanzania level.

However, the Super Eagles responded strongly, with substitute Tolu Arokodare taking centre stage by scoring twice to seal a deserved victory for Eric Chelle’s men.

Beyond the result, the encounter offered several talking points, ranging from Nigeria’s ability to cope without their injured talisman, Victor Osimhen, to Arokodare’s growing influence, Ademola Lookman’s injury concern and the impressive performance of young defender Abdullahi Bewene.

PREMIUM TIMES takes a closer look at six major observations from Nigeria’s victory.

Super Eagles find a way without injured Osimhen

Victor Osimhen’s absence was undoubtedly one of the biggest talking points ahead of the encounter, with the Galatasaray striker missing through injury as the former Napoli forward remains Nigeria’s most influential attacking figure, given his goalscoring ability, relentless pressing, physical presence and capacity to unsettle opposition defenders.

His absence presented Chelle with an important challenge, particularly against a Tanzanian side expected to defend compactly and limit Nigeria’s attacking opportunities.

However, the Super Eagles demonstrated that they possess enough attacking options to get the job done even without their leading marksman, as Akor Adams was handed responsibility in attack and offered a physical presence against the Tanzanian defence, while Ademola Lookman provided creativity and attacking threat before his injury forced him off towards the end of the first half.

The introduction of Arokodare proved particularly decisive. The former Genk striker brought fresh energy, physicality and a different dimension to Nigeria’s attack, eventually scoring twice to settle the contest.

His performance was complemented by the contributions of the midfielders, particularly Alhassan Yusuf, whose opening goal provided the breakthrough, and the attacking support offered by Moses Simon and Moses Usor later on.

More importantly, Nigeria did not allow Osimhen’s absence to become an excuse for an underwhelming attacking display.

Although the Super Eagles will undoubtedly be stronger with their talisman available, the victory offered Chelle encouraging evidence that his team can share the goalscoring responsibility rather than depend excessively on one player.

The bigger task now is to maintain that attacking efficiency and ensure that Nigeria’s alternatives can consistently deliver when Osimhen is unavailable.

Lookman’s injury casts a shadow over Nigeria’s Victory

Ademola Lookman suffered a suspected hamstring injury towards the end of the first half, raising concerns for the Super Eagles despite their eventual victory.

The Atletico Madrid forward went down inside Tanzania’s penalty area without any apparent contact, clutching his hamstring and signalling that he could not continue, and was subsequently replaced before the interval, with Paris FC winger Moses Simon coming on to strengthen Nigeria’s attacking options.

Lookman’s injury was an unwanted development for Chelle, particularly with Osimhen already unavailable for the encounter as the former Atalanta attacker has become an important creative outlet for Nigeria, offering pace, dribbling ability and an eye for goal.

His potential absence could therefore represent another selection headache for the Super Eagles, depending on the severity of the injury. Nigeria will hope the forward’s problem is not serious as they look to maintain their momentum in the qualifying campaign.

Second-half response highlights Chelle’s tactical adjustments

The Super Eagles produced a significantly improved performance after the break, showing greater attacking urgency and purpose to overcome a stubborn Tanzanian side.

The opening 45 minutes were relatively competitive, with both teams creating opportunities and heading into the interval level at 1-1. However, Chelle’s second-half adjustments helped Nigeria take greater control of the contest.

The introduction of Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor provided additional attacking energy, while Nigeria looked more purposeful in their movement and ability to exploit spaces in the Tanzanian defence, and the changes paid dividends as the Super Eagles eventually found the goals needed to secure victory.

Arokodare’s brace was the highlight, but the team’s overall improvement after the interval demonstrated the importance of having quality options available from the bench.

For Chelle, the result will provide encouragement that his tactical adjustments can make a difference when Nigeria encounter difficulties during matches.
However, the first-half performance also suggests there is still room for improvement, particularly in turning possession and attacking opportunities into sustained pressure.

Arokodare makes his case with Match-Winning brace

Has Tolu Arokodare finally announced himself on the international stage?

The striker delivered one of his most impressive performances in a Super Eagles shirt, scoring twice after coming off the bench to help Nigeria overcome Tanzania.

Arokodare, who has been enjoying encouraging form at club level, brought a much-needed attacking presence following his introduction in the second half, as his physical strength, movement and ability to occupy opposition defenders gave Nigeria another dimension in the final third.

More importantly, he demonstrated his goalscoring instincts when the opportunities presented themselves, finding the net twice to put the contest beyond Tanzania. The brace will be particularly significant for the striker, who has been seeking to establish himself as a reliable goalscoring option for the national team.

With Osimhen unavailable, Arokodare seized the opportunity to demonstrate that he can shoulder some of the attacking responsibility. His performance will also give Chelle something to think about when making future selection decisions, especially with Nigeria possessing several attacking options competing for places.

The challenge for Arokodare now is to build on this performance and translate his club form into consistent contributions for the Super Eagles.

Bewene rewards Chelle’s confidence with assured display

Abdullahi Bewene delivered an impressive performance at right-back, justifying Eric Chelle’s decision to hand him a starting opportunity ahead of Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The young defender showed considerable energy and willingness to support Nigeria’s attacking movements while remaining disciplined in his defensive responsibilities. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch was particularly encouraging, as he demonstrated confidence going forward without neglecting his primary defensive duties.

For a player looking to establish himself in the Super Eagles setup, such an opportunity was important, as Chelle’s decision to trust him ahead of a more established option suggested the coach was willing to assess his alternatives and reward players who could offer something different to the team.

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Bewene responded with a performance that should boost his confidence and strengthen his case for further opportunities. While one impressive outing does not automatically guarantee a regular starting position, the youngster has given the coaching crew another option to consider as Nigeria continue their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ibrahim Hamad’s injury weakens Tanzania’s defensive resistance

Tanzania also suffered an injury setback during the second half, with defender Ibrahim Hamad unable to continue despite his encouraging performance before the interval.

The 29-year-old had done a commendable job of containing Nigeria’s attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes, particularly in his attempts to limit the influence of Akor Adams, as his defensive organisation and ability to compete physically helped Tanzania remain in the contest before the break.

However, Hamad was forced off after sustaining an injury and was subsequently replaced by Charles M’Mombwa. His departure came at an unfortunate moment for the Taifa Stars, who were already under increasing pressure as Nigeria stepped up their attacking intensity.

Although it would be difficult to attribute Tanzania’s eventual defeat solely to his substitution, his absence deprived the visitors of an experienced defensive option during a crucial period of the encounter.