Alhassan Yusuf needed only two minutes to light up the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, firing Nigeria ahead against Tanzania in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The New England Revolution midfielder finished off Ademola Lookman’s assist almost straight from kick-off, giving Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles the perfect start to a night they could not afford to waste. It was Alhassan Yusuf’s third goal in 11 appearances for Nigeria — his first two came in the 3-0 win over Jamaica in May — and settled the home crowd. Yusuf was booked in the 12th minute, but Nigeria were up inside 120 seconds.
Alhassan Yusuf strikes after two minutes
Chelle had hinted all week he would trust the players in camp rather than mourn the ones missing, and the early goal was instant vindication. Lookman, who has carried Nigeria’s attack in Victor Osimhen’s absence, created the opener with a pass Yusuf finished clinically, and the Uyo crowd responded with the kind of noise that has made the Nest of Champions a fortress.
The goal also underlined Yusuf’s remarkable year. The 26-year-old has scored five times in Major League Soccer this season, including a hat-trick against D.C. United in August. He has gone from the fringes of the national team to scoring the goal that set the tone in a must-win qualifier.
Akor Adams leads the line as Chelle rings the changes
The team sheet told the story of a coach making bold calls. Akor Adams, the Sevilla striker, was handed the No. 9 role ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare, who both started on the bench — despite Arokodare vowing this week to fire Nigeria past Tanzania in Osimhen’s absence. Lookman partnered Adams in attack, with Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf behind them in a four-man midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, and Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence for his first competitive start for Nigeria in a year. Ola Aina and Abdullahi Bewene filled the full-back spots, while Stanley Nwabali kept his place in goal. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi, who arrived in camp with a fitness concern, were among the substitutes alongside Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon and Moses Usor.
What is at stake in Uyo
The context explains the urgency. Nigeria sit second in Group L with three points, four behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, and Chelle had put his own name on the line before kick-off, telling reporters that if Nigeria win, he takes the credit. Tanzania, already assured of a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts, arrived in Uyo with nothing to lose and insisting they were not scared of the Super Eagles.
Chelle is also doing all of this without his two biggest names. Osimhen is recovering from knee surgery and Samuel Chukwueze from hip surgery, while Maduka Okoye was left out of the squad entirely — a decision Chelle explained at his pre-match press conference, insisting the door remains open for the Udinese goalkeeper. The return leg follows in Tanzania on Tuesday, and a win in Uyo would put Nigeria back in control of their qualifying destiny.
For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions. SportsBuddy will have the full-time report from Uyo once the match ends.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) — collage by SportsBuddy
