Nigeria’s Super Eagles eased the pressure following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles took an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off a pass from Ademola Lookman just two minutes into the encounter.
Nigeria dominated possession in the opening stages, putting Tanzania under pressure and creating opportunities to extend their advantage.
However, Tanzania drew level in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, who capitalised on an opportunity to restore parity against the run of play.
Both sides went into the break with the score tied at 1-1, as Nigeria’s early dominance failed to translate into a sustained advantage.
Nigeria returned for the second half with renewed attacking intent, and coach Éric Chelle introduced Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare for Alhassan Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi.
The substitutions quickly paid off as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, finishing with a backheel after receiving a cross from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The striker completed his brace eight minutes later, firing a low shot into the net following a cross from Moses Usor to extend Nigeria’s advantage to 3-1.
Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi subsequently made changes in an attempt to revive his side’s chances, introducing Charles M’Mombwa before making further substitutions.
However, the Tanzanians struggled to find a response as Nigeria maintained their advantage.
Nigeria now sit second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points.
Other AFCON Qualifying Results
Tunisia’s dismal run continued with a 2-0 home defeat to Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, while Mohamed Salah became Egypt’s record goalscorer in their 5-0 rout of Malawi.
Salah scored twice late in the game to take his international tally to 70 goals and surpass former captain Hossam Hassan’s record. New coach Ali Maher began his tenure with a comprehensive victory in Cairo, which sent Egypt to the top of Group B.
Tunisia, one of Africa’s 10 representatives at this year’s World Cup, were the only team from the continent to exit at the group stage. They subsequently sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi following their opening defeat.
Their struggles continued against neighbours Libya on Friday as they lost 2-0 in Sfax, conceding a penalty converted by Ali Youssef on the stroke of half-time and a 62nd-minute effort from Hamdou El Houni.
The defeat left Tunisia with two points at the halfway stage of their Group H campaign, putting them in danger of missing next year’s finals and ending their record run of 17 successive appearances. Coach Mouin Chaabani’s short reign is also under threat.
Cape Verde, who impressed with their run to the second round at the World Cup, had lost their opening qualifiers in September but returned to winning ways on Friday with a 4-2 home victory over Liberia. Debutant Derensili Sanches Fernandes of Huddersfield Town was among the scorers.
Late Goals Deny Zambia and South Africa
Defender Jean Girumugisha scored seven minutes from time to earn Burundi a 1-1 draw away to Zambia in Group I, while Ryan Ogam’s 90th-minute strike helped Kenya secure a 2-2 draw against South Africa in Johannesburg in Group D.
Mali came from behind to beat Rwanda 3-2 in Bamako, recording their third victory in Group K and moving within one win of securing a place in the finals. Mamadou Camara snatched the late winner.
African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Morocco defeated Niger 5-1 in Casablanca, maintaining their perfect start in Group A and moving closer to qualification.
Three more matches are scheduled for Saturday to complete the third round of group qualifiers, which marks the halfway point of the campaign.
The fourth round of group fixtures will take place on Monday and Tuesday, while the final two rounds are scheduled for March.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.
