Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice and power Nigeria to a 3-1 home victory over Tanzania in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier on Friday, keeping the Super Eagles' hopes of reaching the finals very much alive.

Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria the ideal start, slotting home from Ademola Lookman's pass inside two minutes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Tanzania, who are already assured of a place at the finals as co-hosts, hit back through Alphonce Msanga shortly after the half-hour mark to level proceedings.

Arokodare's impact off the bench

Arokodare entered the fray at half-time and wasted little time making his mark. In the 52nd minute, the Ajax striker flicked home Wilfred Ndidi's low ball to restore Nigeria's lead. Eight minutes later, he controlled Moses Usor's cross from the left before smashing a finish from 12 yards to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.

Arokodare, who is spending the season on loan at Ajax from Wolves, turned what had been a tense encounter into a commanding win for Eric Chelle's side.

Group L standings and the road ahead

The result leaves Nigeria one point behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on the same evening. With three matches played, the Super Eagles — who suffered a 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau back in September — have little room for error as they pursue the section's sole qualification berth.

Tunisia in crisis, Kenya deny Bafana Bafana

Elsewhere across the continent, Tunisia are facing a shock absence from the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1992 after a 2-0 home loss to Libya in Sfax. The Carthage Eagles are winless and bottom of Group H, which also offers just one qualifying place. Ali Maaloul was penalised for a shirt pull to give Libya a penalty before half-time, converted by Ali Youssef. Tunisia had a goal ruled out for offside before Hamdou El Houni doubled Libya's lead with a low strike. Libya move to second in the group, level on points with Uganda.

In Johannesburg, South Africa drew 2-2 with Kenya to remain a point clear at the top of Group D. An Amos Wanjala own goal handed Bafana Bafana an early lead before Michael Olunga equalised from the spot. Relebohile Mofokeng restored the hosts' advantage with 13 minutes left, only for Ryan Ogam to snatch a point for Benni McCarthy's Kenya in the 90th minute.

Other results from Friday's qualifiers

Burkina Faso moved level with Benin on seven points at the top of Group F after Elohim Kabore's 94th-minute winner against Mauritania in Ouagadougou. Cape Verde registered their first points in Group K with a 4-2 victory over Liberia in Praia.

Gabon beat Lesotho 2-0 to join Morocco on six points at the top of Group A, with Denis Bouanga scoring twice in the second half. Ethiopia claimed their first win of the campaign, defeating Mozambique 1-0 in Maputo thanks to Kenean Markneh's 87th-minute goal after the Mambas goalkeeper Ernan spilled a shot from Carlos Damtew.

Zambia drew 1-1 with Burundi at home to move level with Group I leaders Algeria on four points. The North Africans host Togo on Saturday and can reclaim a three-point advantage. In Group G, Comoros were held to a goalless draw by Congo-Brazzaville, with Cameroon leading the section on seven points.