Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has admitted that his side lacked the quality to match Nigeria after the Taifa Stars lost 3-1 to the Super Eagles in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Tanzania recovered from an early setback to equalise in the first half, but two second-half goals from substitute Tolu Arokodare proved decisive as Nigeria secured victory.
Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early lead before Alphonce Msanga restored parity for Tanzania. Arokodare scored twice within eight minutes after the break to settle the contest.
Speaking to TFF TV after the match, Gamondi said Nigeria’s physical strength and quality made the difference, particularly when Tanzania made mistakes.
“We knew we were playing against a big team. We committed one mistake in just two minutes, which was the worst scenario, but we came back to equalise,” he said.
Gamondi added that his players had expected Nigeria to increase the pressure at the start of the second half. He also pointed to the quality of the players brought on by the Super Eagles.
Despite the defeat, the Tanzania coach said his team created three or four chances and praised the players for their effort.
“The gap and quality between us and Nigeria is very big. When you make one mistake, they punish you,” he said.
Gamondi described Nigeria as one of Africa’s best teams and said the encounter offered Tanzania an opportunity to assess their level against stronger opposition.
He urged his players to continue working to improve, while maintaining that they deserved credit for their performance.
“We need to give credit to Nigeria. For me, they are one of the best teams in Africa, and Tanzania needs to continue working because this kind of game gives us something to learn to see our level,” he added.
