Tolu Arokodare was the hero as Nigeria boosted their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 3-1 home win over tournament co-hosts Tanzania.
With the East Africans already assured of a spot at the finals, the Super Eagles are battling for the one qualification spot available in Group L and have little margin for error after losing 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau in September.
Alhassan Yusuf kept his composure to slot Nigeria into a second-minute lead in Uyo from Ademola Lookman’s pass, but the visitors equalised through Alphonce Msanga just after the half-hour mark.
Arokodare climbed off the bench at half-time and cleverly flicked home Wilfred Ndidi’s low ball to restore the lead for the West Africans in the 52nd minute.
And the Ajax striker, who is on a season-long loan from Wolves, gave the Super Eagles breathing space eight minutes later when he controlled Moses Usor’s cross from the left and smashed in from 12 yards out.
With three games played in the group, Eric Chelle’s side are now one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Tunisia are in danger of missing out on the finals for the first time since 1992 after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Libya, and Kenya scored a last-minute equaliser to end South Africa’s perfect start.
Later on Friday Ali Maher takes charge of Egypt for the first time following the departure of Hossam Hassan when the Pharaohs host Malawi (19:00 GMT).
Meanwhile, Morocco look to extend their perfect start in Group A with a home game against Niger (20:00 GMT).
The third round of qualifying culminates with three games on Saturday, while the fourth round of fixtures are split across Monday and Tuesday.
Tunisia downed as McCarthy frustrates Bafana
Former South Africa international Benni McCarthy denied Bafana Bafana victory as his Kenya side grabbed a late equaliserTunisia have appeared at a record 17 consecutive Afcons but are winless and bottom of Group H – another section with just one qualifying place on offer – after defeat by their North African neighbours Libya.
The Carthage Eagles could complain about refereeing decisions going against them in Sfax, with Ali Maaloul penalised for a shirt pull on Muad Eisay just before half-time and Ali Youssef converting the resulting spot-kick.
Tunisia had a goal ruled out following a marginal offside call in the second half and three minutes later a low shot from Hamdou El Houni made it 2-0 to the Mediterranean Knights.
Libya, who last played at an Afcon in 2012, climb to second in the table and go level on points with Uganda.
South Africa are a point clear of Guinea at the top of Group D after a 2-2 draw against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya in Johannesburg.
Amos Wanjala’s own goal gifted the hosts an early lead before Michael Olunga levelled from the penalty spot just before half-time.
Relebohile Mofokeng restored Bafana Bafana’s advantage with 13 minutes remaining, but Kenya claimed a point when Ryan Ogam’s low shot from 20 yards crept inside the left-hand upright in the 90th minute.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso joined Benin on seven points at the top of Group F thanks to Elohim Kabore’s 94th-minute winner against Mauritania in Ouagadougou and Cape Verde registered their first points in Group K with a 4-2 victory over Liberia in Praia.
Friday’s Afcon 2027 qualifying results and fixtures
Comoros 0-0 Congo-Brazzaville (Group G)
Zambia 1-1 Burundi (Group I)
Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia (Group J)
Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia (Group K)
Gabon 2-0 Lesotho (Group A)
South Africa 2-2 Kenya (Group D)
Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania (Group F)
Tunisia 0-2 Libya (Group H)
Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (Group L)
Egypt v Malawi (Group B, 19:00 GMT)
Mali v Rwanda (Group K, 19:00 GMT)
Morocco v Niger (Group A, 20:00 GMT)
