Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their AFCON 2027 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, thanks to a brace from Tolu Arokodare. The win moved Nigeria to six points from three Group L matches, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Arokodare's performance was crucial in easing concerns about Nigeria's attack without star striker Victor Osimhen, who was sidelined due to injury.
Victor Osimhen's injury sparked fears about Nigeria's attack, but Arokodare's match-winning brace suggests the Super Eagles may not be as dependent on their star striker as many feared. Osimhen underwent knee surgery following an injury sustained in Galatasaray's Champions League win over Stuttgart, leaving coach Eric Chelle to reshuffle his attacking plans. The big question was where Nigeria's goals would come from without Osimhen, who has carried much of Nigeria's attacking threat in recent years.
Nigeria started brightly and took the lead through Alhassan Yusuf after just two minutes, finishing a move created by Ademola Lookman. However, Tanzania responded well and levelled through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute, leaving Nigeria facing an uncomfortable second half. Recognising the need for greater urgency, Chelle introduced Arokodare at half-time, and the move transformed the game.
Arokodare proved to be the difference maker against Tanzania, scoring twice in the second half. Seven minutes after coming on, captain Wilfred Ndidi slipped a pass into the penalty area, and Arokodare reacted instinctively, producing a clever finish to restore Nigeria's lead. Eight minutes later, he struck again, controlling a cross from Moses Usor before applying the finish to put daylight between Nigeria and Tanzania.
Arokodare's performance was about more than the two goals; he offered physical presence, intelligent movement, and a constant threat in the box, giving Nigeria a different dimension without Osimhen. He even came close to completing a hat-trick late in the game before being denied by the Tanzanian goalkeeper. For Chelle, that may be the most encouraging part of the evening, as Nigeria showed they are not helpless without Osimhen.
The victory restored confidence after the disappointment of the previous qualifying window and revealed something supporters have been desperate to know: if Osimhen is unavailable, Nigeria can still score goals. Arokodare started the game on the bench but made a significant impact after coming on, proving that the Super Eagles have a capable replacement for Osimhen.
The win and Arokodare's performance have eased concerns about Nigeria's dependence on Osimhen, and coach Eric Chelle can now consider his options for future matches. With Osimhen's injury and potential future absences, Arokodare's emergence as a goal-scoring option will be crucial for Nigeria's success in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and beyond.
Key points
- Arokodare's brace in Nigeria's 3-1 win over Tanzania has eased concerns about the team's dependence on star striker Victor Osimhen.
- Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, moving them to six points from three Group L matches.
- Arokodare's performance showed that Nigeria can still score goals even without Osimhen, offering a capable replacement for the star striker.
