Following the victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, commended the Super Eagles and urged them to maintain their momentum in the upcoming return leg.
Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early advantage in the second minute, finishing off a pass from Ademola Lookman. Tanzania equalized in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Mabula Msanga to send both teams into halftime level at 1-1.
Half-time substitute Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a flicked finish from a Wilfred Ndidi pull-out. Arokodare sealed the 3-1 win eight minutes later by converting a cross from fellow substitute Moses Usor.
The victory moves Nigeria to six points from three matches, placing them second in Group L just one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau (seven points), who drew 1-1 with Madagascar. Because co-hosts Tanzania already hold an automatic ticket to the 2027 finals alongside Kenya and Uganda, only the highest-finishing team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar will earn the group’s remaining qualification spot.
As noted by Shaibu, the Super Eagles will travel to Tanzania for their Matchday Four clash against the Taifa Stars on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. While Shaibu referenced Dar es Salaam, the Nigeria Football Federation confirms the encounter is scheduled to take place at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.
This was contained in a statement sined by
Callistus Ebare, Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.