Nigeria’s Super Eagles have strengthened their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after recording a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group L encounter on Friday.

The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, saw the three-time African champions produce an improved performance to secure three important points in their qualification campaign.

Nigeria got off to a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, giving the home side an early advantage.

However, Tanzania responded and restored parity in the 32nd minute through Msanga, leaving both teams level before the break.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half with renewed determination, and Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute.

The striker then completed his brace eight minutes later, scoring in the 60th minute to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 advantage.

Despite Tanzania’s efforts to find another goal, Nigeria maintained their lead until the final whistle, securing a crucial victory in front of their home supporters.

The result represents an important response from Eric Chelle’s men following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying fixture.

Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering the setback in Bissau. Friday’s win takes their points tally to six from three matches, keeping them firmly involved in the race for the remaining qualification spot in Group L.

Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group with seven points, while Madagascar have two points and Tanzania remain on one point. Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, scheduled for November 17, as they seek another victory to strengthen their position in the group.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The victory marks Nigeria’s first-ever title in the competition and makes the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. It is also the first time an African women’s national team has won a FIFA World Cup title at any level.

The final, played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, saw the Flamingos take control early, with Awawu Bashiru opening the scoring in the 39th minute. Her effort gave Nigeria a 1-0 advantage heading into the half-time break.

Nigeria extended their lead just two minutes after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute. The forward capitalised on a pass from Esther Stephen before finishing calmly to put the Nigerian side two goals ahead.

Japan, however, refused to surrender and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense closing period. The Japanese team pushed for an equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence remained organised and held on until the final whistle.

The triumph completed an impressive turnaround for the Flamingos, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage. They recovered from that setback to record six consecutive victories, including wins over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.

Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil secured Nigeria’s first appearance in the tournament’s final before they overcame Japan to lift the trophy.

Nigeria had previously recorded their best finish at the competition in 2022, when the Flamingos secured third place in India. The 2026 triumph therefore represents a historic improvement for the team and Nigerian women’s football.

The final was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, among other football officials. Infantino congratulated Nigeria on the achievement, describing the victory as well deserved.

Meanwhile, North Korea claimed third place after defeating Brazil 6-0 in the tournament’s third-place playoff, while Japan finished as runners-up.

Japan have booked a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter in Morocco.

The Japanese side produced a remarkable late comeback on Wednesday, November 4, to end North Korea’s hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive time.

North Korea appeared to be heading for victory after Ri Ui-gyong opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a well-taken volley. The defending champions maintained their advantage for most of the second half and looked set to secure another appearance in the final.

However, Japan refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, a goal-bound effort deflected off North Korean defender Won Sol-gyong and entered the net, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

Japan capitalised on the late breakthrough, converting all four of their penalties to secure a 4-1 victory. Goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki played a crucial role by saving Eh Chong-gum’s attempt, while Kim Ju-gyong struck the post.

Asuka Tanaka converted Japan’s decisive spot-kick to confirm their qualification for the final, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s title match since 2016. The result also ended North Korea’s bid for an unprecedented third successive championship.

Japan will now face Nigeria’s Flamingos in Saturday’s final after the African side defeated Brazil 3-1 in the other semi-final.

Nigeria secured their historic qualification through goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice. Brazil managed a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to prevent the Flamingos from reaching their first-ever final in the competition.

The final presents Nigeria with an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while Japan will be seeking another title after lifting the trophy in 2014.