Tolu Arokodare scored twice in eight minutes as Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, reviving their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The win was a must-have after the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the previous window, and it came without the injured Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria started well when Alhassan Yusuf scored in the second minute, but Tanzania, already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts, equalised against the run of play in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga.

At the break, coach Eric Chelle brought on Arokodare and Moses Usor. Arokodare restored the lead in the 52nd minute with a header from captain Wilfred Ndidi’s pass, then made it 3-1 in the 60th minute, finishing a cross from Usor.

The result lifts Nigeria to second in Group L on six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, while Tanzania stay bottom with one point.

The Super Eagles have little time to celebrate, as the return leg is in Tanzania on Tuesday, November 17.