Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Tanzania’s Taifa Stars 3-1 in their third 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.
Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring for Nigeria in the second minute at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Tanzania equalised through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute, as both teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, made tactical changes at the start of the second half to strengthen his side.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare made an immediate impact, scoring in the 52nd and 59th minutes to hand Nigeria a 3-1 victory.
Speaking at the post-match news conference, Chelle praised his players for their performance and determination.
He said the team largely followed his instructions but briefly lost concentration in the first half, allowing Tanzania to equalise.
“I spoke to the players, so the game plan was like that. We were supposed to start in a 4-4-2 diamond formation and, in the second half, switch to a flat 4-4-2.
“I asked them to apply high pressure during the first half, and they did, so we scored the first goal.
“The problem was that, for about 30 seconds in the first half, we lost concentration and conceded a goal,” Chelle said.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the players’ response after Tanzania equalised, describing the victory as an important achievement.
“I’m happy for the players because, you know, it’s not easy when you take the lead and then concede a goal,” he said.
Chelle expressed confidence ahead of the return fixture, saying another victory away from home would strengthen Nigeria’s position.
He urged his players to maintain their focus and the right mentality ahead of the encounter.
On injuries involving Ademola Lookman and Benjamin Fredrick, Chelle said Lookman sustained a knee strain and a knock.
He said both players would undergo medical examinations to establish the extent of their injuries.
Tanzania’s Head Coach, Miguel Ángel Gamondi, acknowledged Nigeria’s superior quality but praised his players for their fighting spirit.
He said his team struggled to contain the Super Eagles, particularly in the second half.
“Nigeria is a strong team, but my boys showed great character to keep their minds on the pitch, believing, and we tried to equalise in the first half.
“It’s true, Nigeria dominated the game, but didn’t create a lot of chances in the first half. In the second half, we could see the difference in the quality of the players,” Gamondi said.
The Tanzanian coach also lamented the difficulties his team encountered travelling to Nigeria, expressing concern about preparations for the return fixture.
“They mounted a lot of pressure and attacked well. Really, Nigeria deserved to win the game.
“The conditions, including our travel, made it really difficult for us to perform for 90 minutes. Even the next game will be worse for us,” he said.
In spite of the defeat, Gamondi said Tanzania would continue working towards establishing a distinct playing identity.
“I want Tanzania to play this kind of football with identity, and people want to win games.
“But, as I said yesterday, I’m very realistic. If we can play at the level we played today against Nigeria, I’m satisfied,” he said.
Gamondi congratulated Nigeria on the victory and pledged that his team would continue giving its best in subsequent matches.
Guinea-Bissau remain top of the group with seven points, while Nigeria occupy second place with six points.
Madagascar and Tanzania are at the bottom of the group.
