Tolu Arokodare announced himself as the Super Eagles' match-winner on Wednesday, claiming the Player of the Match award after his second-half brace sealed a 3-1 triumph over Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Early goal sets the tone

Nigeria made a blistering start to the contest, with midfielder Alhassan Yusuf putting the hosts ahead as early as the 3rd minute. The goal energised the crowd and signalled clear intent from the Super Eagles.

Tanzania, however, refused to fold. They worked their way back into the match and drew level in the 36th minute, capitalising on a Wilfred Ndidi error in midfield. The lapse allowed Msanga to equalise and make it 1-1 heading into half-time.

Arokodare turns the tide

The Super Eagles answered the call after the break, bringing Arokodare on as a substitute to inject fresh energy into the attack. The striker needed no time to settle — he restored Nigeria's lead in the 52nd minute, turning a well-worked move into a clinical finish to make it 2-1.

Arokodare was not done. He struck again in the 68th minute, adding a second to push the score to 3-1 and effectively end Tanzania's hopes of salvaging a result. His energy and directness had the Tanzanian defence scrambling throughout the second half.

Hat-trick opportunity denied

In the closing stages, Arokodare had the chance to complete a hat-trick but instead chose to lay the ball off for Akor Adams. The unselfish pass showed his team-first instinct, though Adams' effort was blocked by a determined Tanzania defender, denying Nigeria a fourth goal.

The victory strengthens Nigeria's position in the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign and underlines Arokodare's growing importance to the Super Eagles setup.