Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half as the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 3-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The 25-year-old striker came on at half-time to help Nigeria secure three crucial points after Alhassan Yusuf’s early opener was cancelled out by Tanzania before the break.

Nigeria took the lead in the second minute when Yusuf converted Ademola Lookman’s pass following Akor Adams’ interception on the edge of the box. The goal was the midfielder’s third international strike and his first in a competitive match for the Super Eagles.

However, Nigeria surrendered their advantage in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Mabula Msanga finished off a team move to draw Tanzania level.

The Super Eagles created further opportunities before the break but could not regain the lead as both sides went into half-time at 1-1.

Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Arokodare at the start of the second half, and the striker made an immediate impact by restoring Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a flicked finish from Wilfred Ndidi’s pass.

Arokodare completed his brace in the 60th minute, capitalising on a Tanzanian defender’s missed header from a cross before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to extend Nigeria’s advantage to 3-1.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker is now on a six-match scoring streak for club and country, while the brace marked his first two goals for Nigeria this year and his first for the national team.

Despite further missed opportunities from Adams, Nigeria held on to secure the victory and move to six points from three matches in Group L, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles will face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Zanzibar on November 17.