Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying account with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening, and head coach Eric Chelle left little doubt about who deserved the loudest applause.

Tolu Arokodare, introduced at half-time, produced a clinical brace that turned a frustrating contest into a statement win.

Alhassan Yusuf had given the hosts an early lead in the second minute, only for Alphonce Msanga to equalize for the Taifa Stars before the break.

Arokodare restored the advantage in the 52nd minute and struck again eight minutes later to seal the three points.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle was full of praise for the Ajax forward’s impact inside the penalty area. “His strength is in the box. When you bring the ball into the box, he’s maybe actually the best striker,” the Franco-Malian coach said.

The assessment was hard to argue with. Arokodare’s first goal came from intelligent movement and a sharp finish after Wilfred Ndidi’s involvement, while his second showcased composure and power after a delivery from fellow substitute Moses Usor.

Chelle refused to get carried away by the result. He acknowledged the positives but was quick to highlight areas that still need work. “There are a lot of good things, but there are some bad things. We are not perfect. We have a few days to correct everything,” he told reporters.

The first half had been particularly untidy, with Nigeria struggling to convert early dominance into clear-cut chances after Yusuf’s opener.

Tanzania grew into the game and punished defensive lapses, forcing the home side to dig deep before the interval.

The coach’s half-time changes proved decisive. Bringing on Arokodare and Usor injected fresh energy and a clearer focal point in attack. Nigeria looked sharper, more direct, and far more dangerous after the restart.

Yet Chelle’s measured tone suggested he is already looking beyond the three points.

The Super Eagles sit second in Group L on six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, and the return fixture in Tanzania looms large.

“We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. The most important is the next game,” Chelle stressed. The away match will present a different challenge.

Tanzania, already qualified as co-hosts of the 2027 finals alongside Kenya and Uganda, will play with less pressure and greater freedom.

Chelle knows his side must improve their control, reduce individual errors, and maintain the intensity that eventually overwhelmed the visitors in Uyo.

Arokodare’s performance will give the coach selection headaches for the right reasons. The striker has been in excellent form at club level and finally translated that into a decisive contribution for the national team.

His ability to occupy defenders, hold the ball up, and finish clinically offers Nigeria a different dimension in the absence of other attacking options.

Chelle’s public endorsement of the forward’s box presence signals that the coaching staff recognise where the 25-year-old can be most effective.

The victory provides breathing space and momentum, but the message from the dugout was clear: one good result does not make a campaign.

Nigeria must travel to Tanzania with the same focus and a sharper edge. Chelle’s willingness to celebrate the good while openly identifying the bad suggests a coach determined to keep standards high rather than bask in the glow of three points.

For Super Eagles fans, the evening offered encouragement. A substitute who changed the game, a coach who refuses to paper over cracks, and a team that found a way to win when the first half threatened to unravel.

The road to AFCON 2027 remains long, but Friday’s night in Uyo showed that when the ball is delivered into the right areas, Nigeria possess a striker capable of finishing the job.

The next test in Tanzania will reveal how quickly the lessons from this imperfect but ultimately successful evening have been absorbed.

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