Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice in the second half to seal all three points for the hosts after both sides went into the break level at 1–1.
Nigeria made a bright start, taking the lead in the second minute through Alhassan Yusuf, who finished off a move created by Ademola Lookman.
However, Tanzania drew level in the 32nd minute when Alphonce Msanga converted a pass from N. Miroshi to bring the visitors back into the contest.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead before half-time, but neither could find the breakthrough as the first half ended 1–1.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle responded with two changes at the interval, bringing on Arokodare for Tochukwu Nnadi and Moses Usor for goalscorer Yusuf.
The changes quickly paid off as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, finishing a pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The forward doubled his tally eight minutes later, converting a move initiated by fellow substitute Usor to give Nigeria a comfortable 3–1 advantage.
Tanzania made several substitutions in an attempt to get back into the game, including a triple change in the 66th minute, but the Super Eagles remained in control.
Chelle later introduced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Akor Adams in the 78th minute, while Semi Ajayi replaced Ola Aina in stoppage time as Nigeria comfortably saw out the result.
The victory moves Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points. Madagascar sit third with two points, while Tanzania remain bottom with one point.
Tanzania, however, have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, although they are continuing to participate in the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria went into the encounter without injured striker Victor Osimhen and unavailable goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence, while Abdullahi Bewene was also handed a starting role. Ndidi captained the side, with Nnadi making his home debut for the Super Eagles.
The hosts dominated possession, recording 65 per cent of the ball and seven shots on target from 13 attempts. Tanzania managed two shots on target from eight attempts.
Nigeria had begun their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 win over Madagascar before suffering a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the return fixture against Tanzania, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, in Zanzibar, as they look to maintain their push for qualification.
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