Nigeria vs Tanzania: Arokodare nets brace as Nigeria win 3-1 in Uyo – Live updates - Punch Newspapers

Nigeria are taking on Tanzania in their third Group L fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday. The Super Eagles are seeking a response after suffering a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September, having opened their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar. Nigeria, managed by Eric Chelle, are without striker Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is also unavailable. Goalscorer Al-hassan | POOJA Tanzania, meanwhile, have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. However, the Taifa Stars are still participating in the qualifiers and seeking their first victory in Group L. The return fixture between both countries is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar. PUNCH Online reports that Benjamin Fredrick starts alongside Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Abdullahi Bewene also earns a starting role. Wilfred Ndidi captains the side, with Tochukwu Nnadi making his home debut for the Super Eagles. Akor Adams leads the attack, while Tolu Arokodare is among the substitutes. See full line up for the match: Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Abdullahi Bewene, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi (captain), Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams. Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources Tanzania: Aishi Manula, Mligo, Mwamnyeto, Hamad, Mnoga, Miroshi, Mao, Msanga, Chilambo, Kachwele, Kibu. Live updates 2nd minute – GOAL! Nigeria 1–0 Tanzania Nigeria take an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf, who finds the net in the second minute to give the Super Eagles a dream start in Uyo. The goal was assisted by Ademola Lookman. 12th minute – Yellow card The goal scorer, Yusuf in jersey number 14 is booked. 29th minue – Wide shot Tanzania shoots off target – totally way out of Nwabali’s reach who has yet to see a shot in the game. 32nd minute – GOAL! Nigeria 1–1 Tanzania Tanzania draw level against Nigeria in Uyo, cancelling out Alhassan Yusuf’s early opener. Alphonce Msanga was assisted by N. Miroshi 35th minute – Nigeria free kick Ademola Lookman’s free kick from the opponents’ half was headed clear by the Tanzanian defence. 38th minute – Lookman’s shot blocked Nigeria build a promising move through Alex Iwobi, who picks out Ademola Lookman inside the box. However, Lookman’s effort is blocked by a sliding tackle from the Tanzanian defence. 44th minute – One minute to half-time Nigeria and Tanzania remain level at 1–1 as the first half approaches its conclusion. AFCON qualifiers: Arokodare scores twice as Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3–1 Why I prayed with my opponent after match – Arokodare Flamingos: Nigeria’s beacon of hope amid football gloom 45th minute – Five minutes of added time The referee has indicated five minutes of added time at the end of the first half. 46th minute – Second half underway The second half is underway in Uyo, with two substitutions made during the break as both sides resume the contest level at 1–1. Tolu Arokodare (No. 10) replacing Tochukwu Nnadi, while Moses Usor comes on for goalscorer Alhassan Yusuf. 52nd minute – Substitute Arokodare scores Nigeria take a 2-1 lead thanks to Tolu Arokodare converting a fine assist from Captain Wilfred Ndidi to put the host in front. 56th minute – Tanzania substitution Tanzania make a change, with C. M’Mombwa coming on for striker Hamad Ahmada. 60th minute – GOAL! Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania Tolu Arokodare extends Nigeria’s lead to 3–1 after being set up by Moses Usor. The two second-half substitutes combine to make an immediate impact for the Super Eagles. 66th minute – Tanzania make triple substitution Tanzania make three changes in a bid to respond to Nigeria’s two-goal advantage. 73rd minute – Tanzania threaten Tanzania push forward in search of a way back into the game, creating danger with a series of attacking moves and crosses. However, Nigeria’s defence remains alert and deals with the threats. 78th minute – Nigeria substitution Fisayo Dele-Bashiru comes on for Akor Adams as Nigeria make a change in the closing stages. 84th minute – Tanzania substitution Tanzania make another change, with A.H. Suleiman coming on for A.R. Milgo. 90th minute – Three minutes of added time The referee has indicated three minutes of added time as Nigeria close in on victory against Tanzania. 93rd minute – Nigeria substitution Semi Ajayi comes on for Ola Aina as Nigeria make a late change in added time. FULL-TIME – Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania The referee blows the final whistle in Uyo as the Super Eagles secure a 3–1 victory over Tanzania in their AFCON 2027 qualifying encounter. Nigeria dominated possession with 65 per cent against Tanzania’s 35 per cent. The hosts also recorded 13 shots, including seven on target, while Tanzania managed eight shots, with two on target. Alhassan Yusuf, Nigeria’s first goalscorer, was the only player booked during the match. Group L standings after Nigeria’s victory Nigeria move to second place in Group L with six points, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven. Madagascar sit third with two points, while Tanzania are bottom with one point. Tanzania, however, have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 as one of the co-host nations. This leaves Nigeria needing to maintain their momentum as they pursue qualification through the group. The return fixture between both countries is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar. Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.