Nigeria’s Super Eagles B bowed out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with their heads held high after a spirited 2-0 win against Congo in Dar es Salaam. Despite the result, it was not enough to progress, as Sudan and Senegal advanced from Group D.
Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi handed Eric Chelle’s side their first win of the tournament, providing a measure of redemption after back-to-back defeats in the opening games. For Congo, the defeat was heartbreaking, as they crashed out at the bottom of the group.
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A Fight for Pride and Survival
Pre-match narratives set the tone: Congo needed a win to keep their hopes alive, while Nigeria desperately sought redemption after two lacklustre outings. Congo coach Barthelemy Ngatsono declared, “there is no alternative to victory,” while Chelle’s men were still searching for their first goal of the competition.
The first half was tense, physical, and cagey, with chances at a premium. Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo tested Ulrich Samba in the Congo goal, while Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou wasted headed opportunities at the other end.
Drama erupted when Nigerian defender Steven Manyo was initially shown a yellow card, which VAR upgraded to red. Confusion followed, and after review, the referee allowed play to continue. The goalless half left both teams knowing the second half would define their fate.
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Yusuf Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Sikiru Alimi rose high to nod down a cross into the path of Anas Yusuf, who calmly slotted home Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament. The relief was evident, with Nigeria finally breaking their scoring drought.
Congo pushed forward, but poor decision-making and Nigeria’s resilience denied them. Efforts from Wilfrid Nkaya and Carly Ekongo failed to trouble goalkeeper Victor Sochima.
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Late Drama and Alimi’s Sealing Strike
The contest’s intensity peaked in stoppage time when Congo’s Charles Atipo was dismissed after a VAR review turned his yellow card into a red. From the ensuing free kick, substitute Sodiq Ismail floated in a perfect cross that Alimi powered home in the 93rd minute, sealing a 2-0 win.
Nigeria finally celebrated their first victory of CHAN 2024, though qualification hopes had already slipped away.
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Group D Shake-Up
While Nigeria battled to victory, all eyes turned to Kampala, where Sudan and Senegal drew 0-0. Both finished on five points, with Sudan topping the group thanks to superior goal difference (+4 vs +1).
The final Group D standings:
- Sudan – 5 points (+4 GD)
- Senegal – 5 points (+1 GD)
- Nigeria – 3 points (-3 GD)
- Congo – 2 points (-2 GD)
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Pride Restored but Questions Remain
Chelle admitted before the game that “mistakes have haunted us.” While Nigeria restored pride with the win, their elimination highlights recurring concerns over squad depth and preparation, especially after losing eight key players to overseas transfers before the tournament.
For Congo, two goals in three games summed up their struggles in front of goal.
As Sudan and Senegal march on to the quarter-finals, Nigeria heads home early. Their final game offered dignity and hope, but too little too late.
