Super sub Arokodare’s brace keeps Eagles’ AFCON hopes alive

(Left to right) Tolu Arokodare and AkorAdams celebrate goal

Tolu Arokodare’s second-half brace off the bench kept the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive as they beat Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

The result lifts Nigeria to second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar are third with two points, while Tanzania are bottom with one.

Alhassan Yusuf put the hosts ahead in the second minute, finishing a move that began with Akor Adams winning possession and Ademola Lookman setting up the midfielder. Tanzania grew into the game and levelled in the 32nd minute when Novatus Miroshi dispossessed captain Wilfred Ndidi and set up Alphonce Msanga to score.

Nigeria suffered another blow before the break when Lookman went down with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by Moses Simon.

Head coach Eric Chelle changed the game at half-time by bringing on Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf. The Ajax striker restored the lead in the 52nd minute, flicking in after Usor found Ndidi, who cut the ball back. Arokodare completed his brace minutes later, taking Usor’s pass and firing through the goalkeeper’s legs.

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Adams and Usor both went close to adding a fourth, while Arokodare was denied a hat-trick by goalkeeper Aishi Manula. Stanley Nwabali also made a stop to deny substitute Shekhani Khamis late on. Benjamin Fredrick was stretchered off with an injury, giving Chelle another concern.

The win was a timely boost after Nigeria’s earlier 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to contest the group’s remaining ticket.

The Super Eagles return to face Tanzania at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tuesday, November 17, with kick-off at 2pm Nigerian time.

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