The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a minor scare to defeat Tanzania 3-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
The Group L match at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo was decided by substitute Tolu Arokodare’s second half brace.
Kano-born Alhassan Yusuf had put Nigeria ahead before the Taifa Stars leveled in the first half.
Nigeria came into the match on the back of a shock and painful 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau, and Eric Chelle’s side took the lead on two minutes.
Akor Adams stole the ball and found Ademola Lookman who laid it on for Yusuf to net his first goal for Nigeria in competitive matches.
The hosts became complacent and were punished by Tanzania who equalized with a well-worked team goal after dispossessing captain Wilfred Ndidi. Alphonce Mabula Msanga scored the equalizer that ensured both sides went into the break level.
Arokodare came on at halftime and scored within seven minutes with a backheeled flick from Ndidi’s cross for 2-1. It was his first goal for Nigeria in eight matches.
The 25-year-old Ajax striker then celebrated scoring in six consecutive matches for club and country with his brace on 60 minutes.
The win ensured Nigeria maintained a 100% record at home against Tanzania in AFCON qualifiers, and Nigeria with six points moved to within a point of Guinea-Bissau in Group L.
Both countries meet in the fourth round of matches, with Tanzania hosting Nigeria in Zanzibar on November 17.