Eric Chelle says the knee was already troubling Ademola Lookman before a knock made it worse, while Tolu Arokodare scored twice off the bench in the 3-1 win.
Ademola Lookman is a doubt for Nigeria's return fixture against Tanzania after a knee problem in Friday's 3-1 win in Uyo. The Atlético Madrid forward was in the starting attack alongside Akor Adams and went off late in the first half, with Moses Simon coming on in his place.
Alhassan Yusuf put Nigeria ahead inside two minutes, and Premium Times credits Lookman with the assist. Tanzania were level at the break. Alphonce Msanga equalised in the 32nd minute with the visitors' first shot on target, despite creating few chances.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said after the match that the trouble started before the injury. "Ademola, his knee, he has a little problem. He took a shock and we don't know if it was a shock," he said. He added: "When he tried to score the goal with his left foot, his knee started to feel bad. After that he took a knock on his knee. This is why he went off the pitch."
Chelle confirmed that Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick had recovered from the cramps they suffered during the game. Pulse Nigeria also reported that Bassey was substituted, and Fredrick needed treatment and was stretched off at one stage before continuing.
Chelle gave his own verdict on the performance:
"There are a lot of good things (in our performance against Tanzania), but there are some bad things (too)."
The second half changed the game. Chelle introduced Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare early in the second half. Pulse Nigeria read the change as one of width, with Simon on the left and Usor stretching play on the right, which opened gaps for the striker centrally. Complete Sports singled out Usor's long-range cross for Arokodare's goal.
Tolu Arokodare, who came off the bench, scored two of Nigeria's three goals and sealed the win. Premium Times points out that he has found the net eight times across his most recent six games for club and country. The result lifts Nigeria above Tanzania in Group L, but Guinea-Bissau still lead on seven points. The Super Eagles have six from three games, after a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
The two sides meet again on Tuesday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Lookman's fitness for that game remains uncertain.
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