Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has praised the Super Eagles for their 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter, singling out substitute Tolu Arokodare for his match-winning contribution.

Nigeria recovered from a difficult first-half performance at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with Arokodare scoring twice after coming on at the interval to secure all three points.

Alhassan Yusuf had given the Super Eagles an early lead in the second minute, finishing a move initiated by Ademola Lookman.

However, Tanzania restored parity in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Msanga, leaving both teams level at the break.

Head coach Éric Chelle responded with changes at half-time, introducing Arokodare and Moses Usor for Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf respectively.

The substitutions transformed Nigeria’s attacking threat, with Arokodare restoring the lead in the 52nd minute through an improvised backheel finish from Wilfred Ndidi’s delivery.

The striker completed his brace eight minutes later, converting a Moses Usor cross to give the Super Eagles a 3-1 advantage.

Reacting to the performance in an interview with Complete Sports, Lawal described the victory as an encouraging result, particularly after Nigeria’s disappointing first-half display.

“This is a very good performance and result from the Super Eagles against their Tanzanian counterparts,” Lawal said.

“The first half may not have been too impressive, but they came out smoking in the second half to score two vital goals.”

The former international reserved special praise for Arokodare, whose introduction changed the attacking dynamics of the encounter.

“Again, I must commend Arokodare for the two goals he scored when he was introduced in the second half; he was truly effective and gave the Tanzanian defenders a rough time,” he added.

Arokodare’s brace underlined the value of Chelle’s tactical adjustments, with the forward taking his opportunity after being introduced at the start of the second half.

The victory was particularly important for Nigeria following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture.

The Super Eagles now have six points from three matches in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points. Madagascar are third with two points, while Tanzania remain on one point.

Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17, as Chelle’s men seek another victory to strengthen their position in the race for the 2027 AFCON finals.

Tanzania have already qualified automatically for the tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.