Arokodare set to lead Super Eagles attack vs Tanzania Friday with Osimhen out
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen misses Friday's AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania after knee surgery last week. Ajax forward Tolu Arokodare is favoured to start in his place, partnering Akor Adams in a two-man attack for the matchday-three clash in Tanzania.
Arokodare, 25, arrives on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers with 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances for the Dutch giants this season. Team sources indicate he edges out Coventry City's Taiwo Awoniyi for the starting role. The Taifa Stars match kicks off Friday (Nov 14) — a must-win for Nigeria's qualifying campaign after mixed results in the opening fixtures.
Osimhen's absence tests Nigeria's attacking depth ahead of a congested international window. Arokodare's club form is elite, but he has just three senior caps. Adams, currently at Montpellier, offers physical presence and Ligue 1 experience. Tanzania sits bottom of Group K with one point, making this a prime opportunity for Nigeria to assert dominance.
The match will likely be played in Dar es Salaam. Kick-off time and broadcast details remain unconfirmed by NFF.
Can Arokodare translate his Ajax goal-scoring form to the international stage against a desperate Tanzania side?