Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has highlighted Tolu Arokodare’s ability to attack crosses and dominate inside the penalty area after the striker scored twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Arokodare came off the bench at half-time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, delivering a match-winning performance as Nigeria recovered from Tanzania’s equaliser to claim all three points.

Speaking after the encounter, Chelle explained that his decision to introduce the striker was influenced by the qualities he could bring to the team, particularly his ability to lead the press and provide a strong physical presence in the opposition’s penalty area.

The Malian tactician acknowledged that Arokodare’s height could sometimes make sustained high pressing difficult, despite his willingness to cover ground.

“If you want to play high pressure, you need to have some people who can run a lot. You know Tolu can run but he is very tall, so to make a high pressure, sometimes he can do it but sometimes it can be difficult for him,” Chelle said.

The Super Eagles subsequently adopted a more direct approach, switching to a flat 4-4-2 formation and using the wide areas to create opportunities for crosses into the box.

Chelle explained that the tactical adjustment was designed to maximise Arokodare’s most outstanding quality.

“Our game is more direct. Like we did in the second half, our game was more direct. We pass by the side to make a one-on-one to have a cross and Tolu, his strength is in the box,” he added.

The coach went further in his assessment, suggesting that Arokodare ranks among the best strikers in the world when it comes to attacking deliveries inside the penalty area.

“When you put the ball inside the box, maybe actually he is the best striker. He did well and I am happy for him but once again we have a second game,” Chelle concluded.

Arokodare’s brace proved decisive after Alhassan Yusuf had given Nigeria an early lead before Alphonce Msanga restored parity for Tanzania.

The victory lifted Nigeria to six points in Group L, keeping the Super Eagles in contention as they prepare for the return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar on November 17.