Tolu Arokodare delivers a match-winning performance from the bench, while Moses Usor also impresses as Nigeria defeat Tanzania 3-1 in their AFCON 2027 qualifier.
The Super Eagles produced an important response in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, defeating Tanzania 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria started brightly, with Alhassan Yusuf finding the net inside the opening two minutes. However, the visitors recovered and drew level through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute.
With the match finely balanced at the break, head coach Éric Chelle made changes that transformed Nigeria’s attacking performance. Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor were introduced, and both substitutes played important roles in the victory.
Arokodare scored twice in the second half, while Usor provided the assist for the striker’s second goal. Wilfred Ndidi also contributed an assist as Nigeria secured all three points.
Here is how the Super Eagles players performed against Tanzania.
Super Eagles starting XI ratings
Stanley Nwabali – 6.5/10
Nwabali had a relatively quiet evening, with Tanzania offering limited attacking pressure for much of the contest. He could do little to prevent Msanga’s equaliser after Nigeria’s midfield and defensive lines were exposed. Overall, it was a steady performance from the goalkeeper.
Calvin Bassey – 6.8/10
Bassey had a fairly solid outing but was not entirely convincing throughout the match. He combined reasonably well with Benjamin Fredricks, although the defensive unit could have reacted better to Tanzania’s equalising goal.
A late defensive lapse also threatened to create problems, but Tanzania failed to take advantage.
Benjamin Fredricks – 6.7/10
The Brentford defender delivered a respectable performance on his return to Nigeria’s starting line-up. Fredricks looked composed for most of the game and worked well alongside Bassey.
There were moments when the defensive partnership could have been sharper, particularly for the goal conceded, but he showed confidence and was willing to support the team going forward.
Ola Aina – 6.8/10
Aina worked hard and handled most of his defensive responsibilities competently. He was particularly useful in one-on-one situations, although his attacking contribution was not as influential as expected.
His performance was solid, but Nigeria could have benefited from more attacking support from the full-back position.
Abdullahi Bewene – 6.9/10
Bewene marked his competitive Super Eagles debut with an encouraging display. The defender showed confidence, supported Nigeria’s attacking moves and contributed positively to the team’s defensive work.
His influence became more noticeable as the game progressed, particularly after the introduction of Moses Usor. It was a promising performance from a player looking to establish himself in the national team.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Nigeria’s captain had a mixed but ultimately productive evening. He was involved in the midfield turnover that contributed to Tanzania’s equaliser, giving the visitors an opportunity to punish the Super Eagles.
However, Ndidi responded positively and supplied the assist for Arokodare’s first goal. His distribution, positioning and work in midfield helped Nigeria regain control after the break.
Alhassan Yusuf – 7/10
Yusuf gave Nigeria the perfect start by scoring the opening goal inside two minutes. His movement and willingness to get involved helped the Super Eagles establish early momentum.
However, his influence in the attacking third faded as the first half progressed. Despite working hard and seeing plenty of the ball, he struggled to consistently create dangerous opportunities before being replaced at half-time.
Tochukwu Nnadi – 6.4/10
Nnadi showed some promise in midfield but struggled to make the attacking impact expected of him. Nigeria enjoyed plenty of possession, yet the midfielder found it difficult to turn that control into meaningful chances.
Chelle opted to replace him at the interval as he looked to add more attacking threat. It was a relatively quiet performance from the midfielder.
Alex Iwobi – 7/10
Iwobi delivered a positive performance in the middle of the pitch. His passing remained one of Nigeria’s strengths, and he consistently looked to move the ball forward rather than settle for safe possession.
The Fulham midfielder helped connect Nigeria’s midfield and attack, although he could have benefited from more support in the final third during the opening half.
Ademola Lookman – 6.8/10
Lookman contributed to Nigeria’s opening goal by setting up Yusuf, but his overall performance lacked the influence expected from one of the team’s leading attacking players.
He struggled to impose himself consistently and had an opportunity in the first half that was blocked by the Tanzanian defence. He was eventually replaced by Moses Simon around half-time.
Although his assist was important, it was not one of Lookman’s most convincing performances in a Super Eagles shirt.
Akor Adams – 6.8/10
Adams worked hard throughout the match but could not get his name on the scoresheet. His pressing and determination helped Nigeria win possession in dangerous areas, including the build-up to the opening goal.
However, he sometimes appeared too eager to shoot when receiving the ball in attacking positions. Greater composure in those moments could have improved his contribution.
Super Eagles substitutes
Tolu Arokodare – 8.7/10
Arokodare was undoubtedly Nigeria’s standout performer. Introduced at half-time, the striker immediately gave the Super Eagles a more threatening presence in attack.
He restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute after connecting with Ndidi’s assist, then struck again eight minutes later to complete his brace.
His movement, physical presence and finishing caused persistent problems for Tanzania. Arokodare showed that he could provide an important attacking option for Nigeria, particularly when Victor Osimhen is unavailable.
Moses Usor – 7.3/10
Usor made a significant difference after coming on at the interval. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders gave Nigeria another dimension in the final third.
He also supplied the assist for Arokodare’s second goal, making his contribution particularly valuable.
Usor had another opportunity late in the match but chose to shoot rather than pass to a better-positioned teammate. Nevertheless, his overall impact was impressive.
Moses Simon – 6.8/10
Simon brought energy and attacking intent after replacing Lookman. He looked comfortable taking on defenders and gave Tanzania additional problems on the flank.
However, his final delivery could have been more accurate on a few occasions. He was lively and positive, but there was room for improvement in his decision-making in the attacking third.
Arokodare makes the biggest statement
While several Super Eagles players delivered respectable performances, Arokodare’s contribution stood above the rest.
His introduction changed the attacking balance of the game, and his two goals helped Nigeria turn a difficult contest into a comfortable victory.
Usor also deserves credit for adding pace and unpredictability, while Ndidi recovered from an early setback to provide an important assist.
Chelle will be pleased with the result and the impact of his substitutes, although Nigeria will still need to address some defensive and midfield concerns before their next assignment.
The Super Eagles will hope to carry this improved attacking performance into their return meeting with Tanzania in Zanzibar.