From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has commended the Super Eagles following 3-1 impressive victory over Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Adeniyi, in a congratulatory message, praised the Super Eagles for the hard-fought victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, describing the result as an important step towards putting AFCON qualification campaign back on track.
He stressed that the victory was crucial for the Super Eagles, particularly after their setback against Guinea-Bissau during the last international break, noting that “securing maximum points was necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the continental tournament.”
The NWF President further urged the players to maintain their winning momentum and approach the upcoming return fixture with determination, insisting that “Nigeria could not afford to drop any more points in the race for qualification.”
The Super Eagles got off to a flying start when midfielder Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, calmly finishing a pass from Ademola Lookman to give Nigeria an early advantage. However, Tanzania restored parity in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Mabula Msanga, as both sides went into the halftime break level at 1-1.
Nigeria regained the lead seven minutes after the restart through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who produced a clever flicked finish from a delivery by Wilfred Ndidi in the 52nd minute. Arokodare then completed his brace eight minutes later, converting a cross from fellow substitute Moses Usor to seal an important 3-1 victory for the home side.
The result takes Nigeria to six points from three matches, placing the Super Eagles second in Group L, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points after playing out a 1-1 draw against Madagascar. With co-hosts, Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, only the highest-placed team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar will secure the group’s remaining qualification ticket.
The Super Eagles will now shift their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, with the Nigerian side scheduled to travel for the Matchday Four encounter against the Taifa Stars on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, where they will be hoping to consolidate their position and take another significant step towards securing qualification.
