CHAN 2024: Nigeria Beats Congo 2-0 in Group D Match

Super Eagles End CHAN Campaign on a high note

Nigeria's Super Eagles B secured a 2-0 win over Congo in their final Group D match at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Nigeria ended their 2024 African Nations Championship campaign on a high note with a 2-0 win over Congo in their final Group D match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Second-half strikes from Anas Yusuf in the 56th minute and Sikiru Alimi's stoppage-time header sealed the victory for the Super Eagles. Despite the win, Nigeria failed to qualify for the quarter-finals, finishing third in Group D with three points.

Match Highlights:

Goalscorers: Anas Yusuf (56th minute) and Sikiru Alimi (stoppage time)

Red Card: Congo's Charles Atipo was sent off in stoppage time for a rash tackle

Group D Standings: Sudan topped the group with five points, followed by Senegal with five points as well, but with a inferior goal difference. Nigeria finished third with three points, while Congo placed last with two points.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇳🇬 2-0 🇨🇬

Nigeria sign off their campaign with a victory. ✅

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The win was bittersweet for Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who acknowledged that mistakes had haunted the team throughout the campaign. Despite the victory, Nigeria's early defeats proved costly, and they were unable to overcome the deficit. The match was a battle for pride and survival, with both teams creating scoring chances, but only Nigeria managed to capitalize on theirs.

Nigeria's Super Eagles B, led by coach Eric Chelle, had already been eliminated from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing their opening games to Senegal and Sudan. Despite this, they approached their final match against Congo with determination, aiming to end their campaign on a high note and avoid exiting without scoring a goal. Congo, on the other hand, had everything to play for, needing a win to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Key Takeaways:

Nigeria's Progress: Although Nigeria didn't advance to the quarter-finals, their final match win showcased the team's resilience and determination to end the campaign positively.

Congo's Quarter-Final Hopes: Congo's fate depended on winning against Nigeria and getting a favorable result from another match. Unfortunately, they came up short, and their CHAN journey ended.

The first half of the match between Nigeria and Congo was a closely contested affair with neither team creating many clear-cut chances. Congo came closest to breaking the deadlock, with Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou both failing to capitalize on headed opportunities. Nigeria's Olamilekan Adedayo did manage to test Congo's goalkeeper Ulrich Samba, forcing a save. Despite the lack of scoring opportunities, the intensity of the match was palpable, with both teams aware of the high stakes.

The Breakthrough:

56th Minute Goal: The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute when Emmanuel Alimi rose high to nod down a cross for Anas Yusuf, who calmly finished past Ulrich Samba to give Nigeria the lead. This goal marked Nigeria's first of the tournament and gave them a much-needed boost.

Impact of the Goal: The goal not only lifted Nigeria's morale but also put pressure on Congo to respond. Congo, who needed a win to stay in contention for a quarter-final spot, pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Relief washed over the Super Eagles as they secured a 2-0 win over Congo, finally showcasing the cutting edge that had been lacking in their previous performances. Congo, on the other hand, struggled to break down the Super Eagles' defense, with their attacks often faltering due to poor decision-making. The Leopards' long-range efforts, including shots from Wilfrid Nkaya and Carly Ekongo, failed to trouble goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, further fueling their frustration.

Key Moments:

• Super Eagles' Defensive Solidity: The Super Eagles' defense held strong, shutting out Congo's attack and securing a clean sheet

• Congo's Frustration: Congo's inability to create clear-cut chances and their poor decision-making in the final third ultimately cost them the match.

• Contrasting Emotions: The win brought a sense of relief and satisfaction to the Super Eagles, while Congo were left frustrated and disappointed by their performance.

Congo's Charles Atipo was sent off in stoppage time after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card to a straight red. This pivotal moment allowed Nigeria to capitalize on the resulting free-kick. Substitute Sodiq Ismail delivered a precise cross into the box, which Sikiru Alimi headed home with authority in the 93rd minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for Nigeria.

Match Outcome:

Nigeria's Win: The Super Eagles secured a 2-0 win over Congo, with Anas Yusuf opening the scoring in the 56th minute and Sikiru Alimi doubling the lead in stoppage time.

Congo's Disappointment: Congo's quarter-final hopes were dashed despite their best efforts, finishing last in Group D with two points. Nigeria, on the other hand, finished third with three points, while Sudan and Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals after a goalless draw in Zanzibar.

Quarter-Final Fixtures:

Friday, August 22: Kenya vs Madagascar (17:00, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi) and Tanzania vs Morocco (20:00, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, August 23: Sudan vs Algeria (17:00, Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City) and Uganda vs Senegal (20:00, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)